Progress in dialogue
59.
Since its establishment in 1979, the Joint International Commission for the
Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church
has worked steadily, directing its study to areas decided upon by mutual
agreement, with the purpose of re-establishing full communion between the two
Churches. This communion which is founded on the unity of faith, following in
the footsteps of the experience and tradition of the ancient Church, will find
its fulfilment in the common celebration of the Holy Eucharist. In a positive
spirit, and on the basis of what we have in common, the Joint Commission has
been able to make substantial progress and, as I was able to declare in union
with my Venerable Brother, His Holiness Dimitrios I,
the Ecumenical Patriarch, it has concluded "that the Catholic Church and
the Orthodox Church can already profess together that common faith in the
mystery of the Church and the bond between faith and
sacraments".97 The Commission was then able to acknowledge that
"in our Churches apostolic succession is fundamental for the
sanctification and the unity of the people of God".98 These are
important points of reference for the continuation of the dialogue. Moreover,
these joint affirmations represent the basis for Catholics and Orthodox to be
able from now on to bear a faithful and united common witness in our time, that
the name of the Lord may be proclaimed and glorified.
60.
More recently, the Joint International Commission took a significant step
forward with regard to the very sensitive question of the method to be followed
in re-establishing full communion between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox
Church, an issue which has frequently embittered relations between Catholics
and Orthodox. The Commission has laid the doctrinal foundations for a positive
solution to this problem on the basis of the doctrine of Sister Churches. Here
too it has become evident that the method to be followed towards full communion
is the dialogue of truth, fostered and sustained by the dialogue of love. A recognition
of the right of the Eastern Catholic Churches to have their own organizational
structures and to carry out their own apostolate, as well as the actual
involvement of these Churches in the dialogue of charity and in theological
dialogue, will not only promote a true and fraternal mutual esteem between
Orthodox and Catholics living in the same territory, but will also foster their
joint commitment to work for unity.99 A step forward has been taken.
The commitment must continue. Already there are signs of a lessening of
tensions, which is making the quest for unity more fruitful.
With regard to the Eastern
Catholic Churches in communion with the Catholic Church, the Council expressed
its esteem in these terms: "While thanking God that many Eastern sons of
the Catholic Church ... are already living in full communion with their
brethren who follow the tradition of the West, this sacred Synod declares that
this entire heritage of spirituality and liturgy, of discipline and theology,
in their various traditions, belongs to the full catholic and apostolic
character of the Church".100 Certainly the Eastern Catholic
Churches, in the spirit of the Decree on Ecumenism, will play a constructive
role in the dialogue of love and in the theological dialogue at both the local
and international levels, and thus contribute to mutual understanding and the
continuing pursuit of full unity.101
61.
In view of all this, the Catholic Church desires nothing less than full
communion between East and West. She finds inspiration for this in the
experience of the first millennium. In that period, indeed, "the
development of different experiences of ecclesial life did not prevent
Christians, through mutual relations, from continuing to feel certain that they
were at home in any Church, because praise of the one Father, through Christ in
the Holy Spirit, rose from them all, in a marvellous variety of languages and
melodies; all were gathered together to celebrate the Eucharist, the heart and
model for the community regarding not only spirituality and the moral life, but
also the
Church's very structure, in
the variety of ministries and services under the leadership of the Bishop,
successor of the Apostles. The first Councils are an eloquent witness to this
enduring unity in diversity".102 How can unity be restored after
almost a thousand years? This is the great task which the Catholic Church must
accomplish, a task equally incumbent on the Orthodox Church. Thus can be
understood the continuing relevance of dialogue, guided by the light and
strength of the Holy Spirit.
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