Review article
Ecumenical Declaration (Charta Oecumenica). Representation and interpretation
Ivan Macut
orcid.org/0000-0001-8343-8902
; Collegio internazionale “Antonianum”, Rim
Abstract
Charta Oecumenica - Guidelines for the Growing Cooperation
among the Churches in Europe was signed on 22 April 2001 in
Strasbourg by the two presidents, Cardinal Miloslav Vlk (CCEC)
and Metropolitan Jeremiah (KEK). The document contains an
introduction and three topics: 1 We believe in one holy, catholic
and apostolic Church; 2 On the way towards the visible unity of
the churches in Europe, 3 Our shared responsibility in Europe.
In the introduction, the document says that this document
has not magisterial-dogmatic or ecclesiastical-legal significance.
The first part deals with the same foundation, and that is the
profession of faith by Nicene-Constantinople Council (381).
Nevertheless, among the Churches, though there are different
notions that the Church is the one. The first section also talks
about mutual recognition of baptism and discuss about the
Eucharistic communion. The second part consists of several
chapters. The first chapter is devoted to the subject: to proclaim
the Gospel together. Proclamation of the Gospel must not to
be characterized by self-interest, but it must be charitable
towards the man. Conversion of others should not be driven
by the difficult financial situation of people, but it is free will.
The document say that Christians need to see each other not
as enemies, but brothers in Christ. The churches need to work
together, to pray and pursue mutual dialogue at all levels. The
third part of the document in the first topic talks about how
important it was that the Church in Europe is helping to develop
a political and moral unity. Cultural, ethnic and religious
diversity of the Church seen as a richness, and therefore need to
continue the dialogue with the Jews, Islam and other religions
and worldviews.
From the document makes clear that there is no alternative
to dialogue and it has to be continue. With dialogue, there is a
communal prayer and action in all areas of human life. All this
can accelerate the process of unification of the churches that
they are already one in Christ.
Keywords
Charta Oecumenica; KEK; CCEC; the Church in Europe, unity
Hrčak ID:
104986
URI
Publication date:
4.7.2013.
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