Folia Theologica et Canonica 1. 23/15 (2012)
SACRA THEOLOGIA - Mihály Kránitz, Theology of inculturation among churches at the beginning of the 21"' century and the role of the Catholic Theological Institutions
12 MIHÁLY KRÁNITZ the theology of religion."' The decree Unitatis redintegratio (1964) of the Second Vatican Council has already pronounced the principle as requirement the ecumenical openness for the future priests and deacons.5 6 Sacred theology and other branches of knowledge, especially those of an historical nature, must be taught with due regard for the ecumenical point of view, so that they may correspond as exactly as possible with the facts.7 It is important for the professors a cooperating interdisciplinary behavior in different fields of the sciences. An ecumenical dimension it is necessary they have to apply for every disciplines belonging to the Theology: “In every theological discipline an ecumenical approach should bring us to consider the link between the particular subject and the mystery of the unity of the Church. Moreover, the teacher should instill in his students fidelity to the whole authentic Christian Tradition in matters of theology, spirituality and ecclesiastical discipline. When students compare their own patrimony with the riches of the other Christian traditions of East and West whether in their ancient or modem expression, they will become more deeply conscious of this fullness.”8 For the future of the Church particularly important, that an ecumenical point of view should be on different levels of the education for teachers too: “This obligation demands from them a deep knowledge of the doctrine of the Church, an adequate competence in academic subjects, unfailing prudence and a balanced attitude: all these qualities should enable them to help their students to harmonize their own life of faith with openness to others.”9 The activity of those, who participate in higher education, is closely united with the ordained ministers, catechists and laity. So “Theology faculties and institutes of higher learning, as well as seminaries and other institutes of formation, can contribute to permanent formation”.10 Initiatives are numerous, where catholic universities should to advance: 1) to foster, when the subject calls for it, an ecumenical dimension to methods of teaching and research; 2) to organize discussions and study days on ecumenical and interreligious questions; 3) to organize conferences and meetings for joint study, work and social activity among faiths, traditions, churches and religions; 4) space could be given in university 5 Iohannes Paulus II, Const. Ap. Sapientia Christiana (15 apr. 1979): AAS 71 (1979) 469- 499, n. 69: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_constitutions/documents/ hf jp-ii_apc_ (consulted on 24^ January 2013). 6 Decree on Ecumenism Unitatis redintegratio (1964): http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_coun- cils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decree_l 9641121_unitatis-redintegratio_en.html. (consulted on 24,h January 2013). 7 Unitatis redintegratio (Decree on Ecumenism), n. 10. 8 Directory for the application of principles and norms on Ecumenism, n. 77. 9 Directory for the application of principles and norms on Ecumenism, n. 89. 10 Directory for the application of principles and norms on Ecumenism, n. 91.
