Original scientific paper

SMALL STEPS. THE ECUMENISM OF SREĆKO BADURINA

Milan Špehar ; Theology of Rijeka, Dislocated Studies of Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Zagreb, Rijeka, Croatia
Jurica Galić ; Theology of Rijeka, Dislocated Studies of Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Zagreb, Rijeka, Croatia

Abstract

In the day of his episcopal ordination, Srećko Badurina begins with the first small step - publicly, openly and clearly from the very start – towards ecumenism. From the very start he is conscious that he is the bishop of the diocese of Šibenik, where for centuries live also the orthodox faithfull and their shepherds. His aim is that both shepherds and faithfull – catholic and orthodox – become conscious of what unites them on the way to unity. Bishop Srećko Badurina hardly mentions the obstacles on this way. He rather builds upon common realities: prayer, sacraments (Baptism, Eucharist) hierarchy. He maintains this direction during the war times, when the access to the occupied regions was prevented and the catholic churches were destroyed. Afraid that the catholic side might fight back, he gives his best to protect everything orthodox, and to permit to the orthodox faithful the visit of their shepherds for their needs of faith. The accentuation of the political reciprocity is reflected on faith and theology, therefore we can speak of a ‘theological reciprocity’. In this sense, ecumenism is seen as a duty given by Christ, ecumenismstarts from him and has its sense and possibility of existence in Him, regardless of the political connotations and backgrounds. The small steps of ecumenism are the ‘basic ecumenism’ which for bishop Badurina was a lifelong commitment.
Considering the significant number of orthodox faithful in the diocese of Šibenik, the ecumenism in his episcopal mission turned out to be of great importance. As a theologian, bishop Badurina never studied ecumenism systematically. His is a practical ecumenism, as it is shown in this study. The encounters and meetings in which he takes part are simple, quiet and spontaneous. His activity consisted in gradual meaningful steps. His speeches are an invitation to a quiet coexistence and good relationship among everyone living in the diocese of Šibenik. He does not address just the Catholics, but also the Orthodox faithful, for they are the important participants in the ecumenical dialogue. And this was the bottom line of his ecumenical
dialogue.

Keywords

ecumenism; orthodoxy; little steps; reciprocity; spiritual ecumenism

Hrčak ID:

116606

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/116606

Publication date:

31.1.2014.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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