Ups, downs mark ecumenical, interfaith relations in 2007

Published: 2007-12-12

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The year 2007 marked a year with some progress for the Catholic Church in its relations with other Christians and in interfaith dialogue, although the year was also beset by some setbacks on the path to unity and understanding. One positive move, recorded in November, was what Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, called a "real breakthrough" in a new Catholic-Orthodox dialogue document in that the Orthodox were willing to discuss how authority was shared and exercised on a universal level in the early church. The document was finalized during a meeting in Ravenna, Italy, attended by members of the dialogue commission. One negative came along with the breakthrough, though: The Russian Orthodox Church delegation to the meeting walked out. In July the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith reaffirmed that the Catholic Church is the one, true church, even if elements of truth can be found in separated churches and communities. The document said some of the separated Christian communities, such as Protestant communities, should not properly be called "churches" according to Catholic doctrine because of major differences over the ordained priesthood and the Eucharist. Protestant leaders worldwide voiced dismay over the document.

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