Cardinal says ecumenism must focus on being faithful to Christ

Published: 2005-01-26

ROME (CNS) -- If the search for Christian unity is a search to fulfill Christ's will, then ecumenism must focus on becoming more faithful to Christ and his teaching, said Cardinal Walter Kasper. The cardinal, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, presided Jan. 25 over a prayer service marking the end of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. During his homily at Rome's Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the cardinal said, "Jesus Christ is not only the foundation, but also the aim of our ecumenical commitment. In him we will be one." Cardinal Kasper said Christians must ask themselves if strengthening faith in Christ is still the focus of their ecumenical efforts and if they are doing enough to ensure faith is not eroded "by so-called liberal interpretations, which call themselves progressive, but are really subversive." Cardinal Kasper said he believes ecumenical progress will come from greater attachment to the Scriptures, a commitment to living the Christian faith and an increased love for the church as the body of Christ.

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