#unity – @fathershane on Tumblr

What do you think must be done to accomplish unity between Catholics and Protestants?

You know that's almost identical to a question asked in the YouCat? Which means I get to copy the answer for you, since it's perfect. :-)

In word and deed we must obey Christ, who expressly wills "that they may all be one" (John 17:21).

Christian unity is the business of all Christians, regardless of how young or old they are. Unity was one of Jesus' primary concerns. He prayed to the Father "that they may all be one ... so that the world may believe that you have sent me" (John 17:21).

Divisions are like wounds on the Body of Christ; they hurt and fester. Divisions lead to enmities and weaken the faith and credibility of Christians. Overcoming the scandal of separation requires the conversion of all concerned but also knowledge of one's faith convictions, dialogues with others, and especially prayer in common, and collaboration among Christians in serving mankind. Those in authority in the Church must not let the theological dialogue be interrupted.

May God bless you!

- Father Shane

#ecumenism #unity #catholic #protestant #catholicism #protestantism #youcat #john #bible

fathershane

killa-dilla asked:

How can we reunite the Church? I know God really doesn't want splintering of the Church, but we have so many denominations today. What are some ways we can mend the divisions between all sects of Protestants, Catholics, and Orthodox?

Gosh, we all wish we knew that! There's a question in the YouCat that asks pretty much the same thing, and the response goes like this:

Christian unity is the business of all Christians, regardless of how young or old they are. Unity was one of Jesus' most important concerns. He prayed to the Father, "that they may all be one ... so that the world may believe that you have sent me" (John 17:21). Divisions are like wounds on the Body of Christ; they hurt and fester. Divisions lead to enmities and weaken the faith and credibility of Christians. Overcoming the scandal of separation requires the conversion of all concerned but also knowledge of one's own faith convictions, dialogues with others, and especially prayer in common, and collaboration among Christians in serving mankind. Those in authority in the Church must not let the theological dialogue be interrupted. (#131)

So somehow it really does have something to do with each one of us! All of us can somehow help build unity among our family, friends and acquaintances. We just have to ask the Holy Spirit's help to show us how. God wants it! We're the ones getting in the way.

God bless you!

- Father Shane

#ecumenism #church #protestant #catholic #orthodox #protestantism #orthodoxy #catholicism #unity #christ #christian #christianity #gospel

fathershane

Anonymous asked:

Father, Is it likely that many Anglican and Lutheran bodies will come back to the Holy See?

Good question! There was a pretty interesting status update on the number of Anglicans entering the Catholic Church through the Holy See's new structure that was just set up in England, the ordinariate, from John Allen the other day. The upshot is that the number of Anglicans who have entered was really quite small, but that was to be expected.

I haven't heard of any sizable movement of Lutherans towards the Holy See, but full union among all of Christ's disciples is something that we need to be praying for every day! Let's try to do our part at least.

God bless you.

- Father Shane

#anglican #lutheran #ecumenism #ecumenical #ordinariate #lutherans #anglicans #unity

fathershane

Anonymous asked:

Father, I was under the impression that I could recieve Orthodox (Greek) communion since we allow them to recieve our's.. but I was told by an orthodox the other day that that is not so.. do you know anything about why this is?

Yes, well, it's up to them! You're right that it is licit for Catholic ministers to administer certain sacraments to Orthodox believers:

Can. 844 §3. Catholic ministers administer the sacraments of penance, Eucharist, and anointing of the sick licitly to members of Eastern Churches which do not have full communion with the Catholic Church if they seek such on their own accord and are properly disposed. (From the Code of Canon Law)

However, many Orthodox bishops prohibit their faithful from seeking the sacraments (at least under most conditions, as far as I can tell) from Catholic ministers, and at the same time they prohibit non-Orthodox from receiving sacraments in Orthodox churches. But local praxis varies, of course.

We have to respect and honor that... here's what the Vatican says in the Directory on Ecumenism:

122. Between the Catholic Church and the Eastern Churches not in full communion with it, there is still a very close communion in matters of faith. Moreover, "through the celebration of the Eucharist of the Lord in each of these Churches, the Church of God is built up and grows in stature" and "although separated from us, these Churches still possess true sacraments, above all—by apostolic succession—the priesthood and the Eucharist...". This offers ecclesiological and sacramental grounds, according to the understanding of the Catholic Church, for allowing and even encouraging some sharing in liturgical worship, even of the Eucharist, with these Churches, "given suitable circumstances and the approval of church authorities". It is recognized, however, that Eastern Churches, on the basis of their own ecclesiological understanding, may have more restrictive disciplines in this matter, which others should respect.

Let's pray for unity!!! It's a great tragedy that we are still separated after so many years...

God bless you.

- Father Shane

#orthodox #communion #eucharist #catholic #greek orthodox #sacraments #ecumenism #church unity #unity #canon law #ecumenical

fathershane

bornofthespirit asked:

Is it a church-wide belief that the Catholic church is the ONLY church?

If you're baptized, you belong to the Church!

Wait, though... "Church" = "Catholic Church"? Here's where it starts getting complicated. By "Church" we mean the Body of Christ, the Spouse of Christ, the People of God, etc., everything the Bible talks about. But then there's the question of "communion" too. As members of Christ's Body, are we in communion with each other? Unfortunately we're human beings, and yes we can damage that communion. Hence the splits in Christianity.

So here's how the YouCat deals with the question (bits and pieces lifted from #129-130):

Just as there is only one Christ, there can be only one Body of Christ, only one Bride of Christ, and therefore only one Church of Jesus Christ.

Just as the body has many members and is one, so too the one Church consists of and is made up of many particular churches (dioceses). Together they form the whole Christ.

All baptized persons belong to the Church of Jesus Christ. That is why also those Christians who find themselves separated from the full communion of the Catholic Church are rightly called Christians and are therefore our sisters and brothers.

Instances of separation from the one Church of Christ came about through falsification of Christ's teaching, human failings, and a lack of willingness to be reconciled -- usually on the part of representatives on both sides.

The Holy Spirit also works for the salvation of mankind in the churches and ecclesial communities that are separated from the Catholic Church. All of the gifts present there, for example, Sacred Scripture, sacraments, faith, hope, love, and other charisms, come originally from Christ.

Where the Spirit of Christ lives, there is an inner dynamic leading toward "reunion," because what belongs together wants to grow together.

God bless you!

- Father Shane