Cardinal Walter Kasper, A Handbook of Spiritual Ecumenism. ISBN: 978-1-5654-8263-0. (2007)

Fr. Bernard de Margerie is a priest of the Roman Catholic diocese of Saskatoon, and the founder of the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism. He served as director of the PCE from 1984 to 1994. Bernard has always brought a passion to the ministry of ecumenism, in its theological, pastoral, and spiritual dimensions. (2004)

L'abbé Bernard de Margerie est prêtre, du diocèse catholique romain de Saskatoon; il fonda le Prairie Centre for Ecumenism en 1984, et en fut le directeur jusqu'à 1994. Bernard s'est toujours montré passionné du ministère d'œcuménisme, dans ses dimensions tant théologiques qu pastorales, et activement engagé dans la formation œcuménique de fidèles. (2004)

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Spiritual Ecumenism: a new contribution

Aussi disponible en français

Cardinal Walter Kasper, head of the Vatican office responsible for promoting Christian unity, recently published a 96-page booklet entitled A Handbook of Spiritual Ecumenism (abbreviated hereafter as HSE). This is a welcome work for both Catholics and fellow-Christians of other church traditions.

Right from the start of the 20th Century movement aimed at overcoming divisions among Christians, “spiritual ecumenism” received pride of place among the means to achieve this goal, by God’s grace. Vatican II, in the mid-sixties, thought it useful to articulate a definition: “This change of heart and holiness of life, along with public and private prayer for the unity of Christians, should be regarded as the soul of the whole ecumenical movement, and merits the name, “spiritual ecumenism.” (Vatican II, Decree on Ecumenism, n. 8a). This definition holds together three elements: change of heart (or conversion), holiness of life, and prayer for unity. A footnote in the English edition of the Decree indicates how the expression “spiritual ecumenism” is “new to Anglo-Saxon tradition, but has been a favorite among French ecumenists, especially the pioneer, abbé Paul Couturier.”

It is thus a goal as lofty as it it necessary that cardinal Kasper set for himself in writing HSE: to explain to the Christian faithful the foundations, principles, and exercise of spiritual ecumenism, in the light of Roman Catholic understanding. The goal is plainly stated in the opening words of the Preface: “This booklet offers practical suggestions aimed at implementing and strengthening that spiritual ecumenism which is the heart of all efforts to bring divided Christians together again in unity.” (n. 1)

The normative Roman Catholic documents on which HSE is based are listed (n. 2a), followed by a further refining of the booklet’s purpose: “Applying the teaching, guidelines and norms of these documents to the domain of spiritual ecumenism is the central purpose of this text.” (n. 2b)

The document is primarily intended for Catholics, and also, particularly, for those in the Church who are responsible for providing leadership in the promotion of Christian reconciliation and unity “at various levels of Church life.” A cordial invitation is extended “to Christians of other traditions, encouraging them to join with their Catholic brothers and sisters in the prayer and spiritual activities recommended in this document, insofar as these are in keeping with their own practice.” A principle of all genuine spiritual ecumenism is then formulated: “Each time we engage in common prayer, each act of common witness, indeed every act of spiritual communion is a gift of the Holy Spirit who binds us together and enables us to give visible expression to our Lord’s desire for unity.” (3b)

The HSE is laid out in three chapters: 1. Deepening Christian Faith; 2. Prayer and Worship; 3. “Diakonia” and Witness. I shall endeavour, in future instalments on this blog, to offer some analysis of, and comment on, the HSE text. Your own comments in response are most welcome.

The HSP booklet is available, in English and French, from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) through CCCB Publications. It can be ordered on-line at www.cccbpublications.ca.

Posted: Mar. 23, 2007 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=3105
Categories: Reconciliation & unity • In this article: Bernard de Margerie, books, spiritual ecumenism, Walter Kasper Transmis : 23 mars 2007 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=3105
Catégorie : Reconciliation & unity • Dans cet article : Bernard de Margerie, books, spiritual ecumenism, Walter Kasper