Pregledni rad
https://doi.org/10.53745/ccp.48.94.3
Ecumenism of the Second Vatican Council: Novelty or Continuity?
Ivan Pleše
; Katolički bogoslovni fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Sažetak
The paper explores the ecumenical dimension of the Catholic Church in light of the Second Vatican Council, particularly through the Unitatis Redintegratio, the decree on ecumenism. The author delves into the historical and theological roots of ecumenism, seeking to answer whether the ecumenical initiatives arising from the Council represent a novel direction for the Church or a continuity of its inherent mission towards Christian unity. The study begins by examining the biblical foundations of ecumenism, particularly in the New Testament, where Christ’s prayer for unity (John 17:11, 21) is highlighted as a core element of Christian identity. The early Christian Church, as expressed by the Church Fathers, also embraced the concept of universal unity (oikumene), which was seen as integral to the Church’s catholicity. This section argues that the desire for unity is deeply rooted in the Church’s essence, contrary to the notion that ecumenism is a modern development. The paper then traces the historical evolution of ecumenism, particularly focusing on key events and councils that aimed at uniting the Eastern and Western Churches. Despite the frequent attempts at reconciliation, such as the Councils of Lyon (1274) and Ferrara-Florence (1438–1445), these efforts were often undermined by political and doctrinal conflicts. The study highlights that while unity was sought, it was often framed in terms of submission to the primacy of the Roman Pontiff rather than genuine theological dialogue, which distinguishes these historical efforts from the modern ecumenical movement. The emergence of the contemporary ecumenical movement in the 19th and 20th centuries, predominantly within Protestant circles, is examined as the next critical phase in the history of Christian unity. Influential figures such as Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf and movements like the Evangelical Alliance are noted for their pioneering efforts in promoting Christian cooperation and dialogue. The paper underscores how these Protestant initiatives, driven by missionary imperatives and a desire to present a united Christian witness, eventually influenced the broader ecumenical landscape. The Second Vatican Council marked a turning point for the Catholic Church’s engagement with ecumenism, as it moved from a stance of cautious separation to active participation in the contemporary ecumenical movement. The Council’s Unitatis Redintegratio officially recognized the need for dialogue and cooperation with other Christian communities, affirming that elements of sanctification and truth exist outside the canonical boundaries of the Catholic Church (cf. UR 3). This shift is interpreted as both a continuation of the Church’s inherent universal mission and a response to the specific challenges of the modern world. In conclusion, the paper argues that the Second Vatican Council’s embrace of ecumenism is not a radical departure from the Church’s past but a reassertion of its fundamental calling towards unity in a new historical and theological context. The study calls for continued efforts to strengthen ecumenical relationships, emphasizing that the quest for Christian unity is deeply embedded in the Church’s nature and mission.
Ključne riječi
ecumenism; contemporary ecumenical movement; Second Vatican Council; Church; Christian unity; history of the Church
Hrčak ID:
324727
URI
Datum izdavanja:
27.12.2024.
Posjeta: 35 *