THE
P RTAL
October 2016
Page 19
The Importance
of Ecumenism
Some thoughts of Ecumenism from Donato Tallo
Ecumenism is
a word that is mentioned a lot within the Ordinariate and also within the wider
universal church, but what exactly is it? What does it mean - and does it really matter? It is a concept within
the Christian faith that aims to restore unity both amongst and within different Christian denominations.
Central to the concept of ecumenism are the themes of unity, fellowship and collaboration. Christian unity
and thus ecumenism is something that all Christians should be concerned with. For Catholics, ecumenism
should be considered a vital mission of the Church, for it was Christ who gave us the gift of unity and thus all
of us should strive to enhance, restore and maintain this gift as appropriate.
If Christians are to be truly ecumenical in their
outlook, then better relationships and better
understandings of different Christian perspectives
are essential both from an internal and external
perspective on the part of the individual. Catholics in
particular should remember that within the Roman
Catholic Church there are many different rites and that
while all are focused on the same God adored in three
persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Sprit, the
different rites are often unique in terms of aspects of
heritage, liturgy, tradition, customs and cultures. The
key word with regard to the uniqueness of the different
rites within the Catholic Church and between other
Christian denominations is diversity and diversity
should be a source of celebration and rejoicing rather
than division and separation.
express their faith in different ways. What is important
is that God must always be our focus, that individuals
should strive to be dignified and revenant in their
own style of worship and prayer and that the rites
that people belong to or engage with are recognised
by the Holy See. Further to this, Catholics should
acknowledge their duty to engage with other Christian
denominations at every opportunity. Through local
partnerships and national initiatives, there are many
opportunities for Catholics to engage with other
Christians in a unified manner.
In addition to physical action, prayer is a key
component in achieving Christian unity. It is though
prayer that we become closer to God and while praying
may not always be easy, it is a way in which all of us
can truly open our hearts and minds to God. Praying
The Ordinariate as a rite within the Catholic Church for Christian unity is something of great importance
has a style and patrimony that is distinct from other and is something we should all try to do.
rites and groups within the wider Catholic Church
and what is important to remember is that diversity
We must remember that unity begins at the foot of
is not a bad thing but it is a good thing. Rather than the cross. As with teamwork, unity is a collective effort
looking at diversity as something that prevents unity that has the potential to achieve far more than can be
or acts as a barrier to it, we should come to understand achieved on an individual level. As individuals, we are
and appreciate that diversity is actually something that all precious in the eyes of God, we are all equal and
seeks to enhance unity. The Ordinariate, through its though Christian unity we can all seek to glorify God
patrimony and style of liturgical worship for example, in collective and sincere manners.
offers the faithful a beautiful and dignified way to
worship and adore God that through Divine Worship
Striving for unity both within the Catholic Church
is different in certain aspects to the way another mass and within the Christian faith as a whole must
may be celebrated.
continue. The challenges and barriers to unity must be
constantly worked on in order for unity to be achieved.
Spreading the message of Jesus to those around us is All of us have our part to play, through prayer,
part of our duty as Christians. We must see the face of acknowledgement, understanding, appreciation,
God in those around us and constantly seek to do what engagement and fellowship with all Catholics and
is right and just. For Catholics, working and engaging people of the Christian faith. Ecumenism should not
positively in cooperation with other Catholics who be seen as a trivial matter as its aim is ultimately for us
worship or pray in a different manner from ourselves all to be one, one with each other and one with God,
is essential for unity, as is working with Catholics who the father of all.