Fraternity-Testvériség, 1962 (40. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1962-01-01 / 1. szám

FRATERNITY

7

WILL CATHOLIC AND PROTESTANT CHURCHES

UNITE?

For centuries the hopes of Christian unity seemed impossibly remote. Now a great ferment is sweeping Christendom. Will it bring the longed-for results? Here is a comprehensive report on the movement and the outlook.

By GEORGE CORNELL, AP Religion Writer

In uncounted thousands of Protestant and Roman Catholic homes these days a candle is lighted each Thursday night.

It is the symbol of mutual longing for the fulfillment of Christ’s prayer that “they all may be one.”

The candle-lighting custom, started by a Benedictine abbey in Germany and now used widely throughout Europe and spreading in America, is one of the many signs of a new element at work in Christianity:

Friendship is growing between Rome and Protestantism.

After snubbing each other for centuries, they are now resuming brotherly associations.

Both sides agree they have made mistakes, and they concede they can learn from each other.

“The lines of communication are opening”, says the Rt. Rev. Arthur Lichtenberger, presiding bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States.

RENEW CONTACTS

The change is of significant proportions.

Not since the reformers’ break with Rome 450 years ago had there been any regular official liaison between the two wings of Christendom until the new contacts began recently.

Now they are multiplying all around including:

Theological consultations, joint Biblical and archaeological studies, seminary lecture exchanges, research and publications for and about each other, visits, mutual attendance at conferences and other similar intercourse.

“We recognize one another”, says Father Gustave Weigel of Wood- stock College, Maryland. “We see good will in each other. We hold concourse with each other.”

On both sides, the manners and approaches have changed, and underlying it all is the question: Will Roman Catholics and Protestants ever unite?

Leading churchmen, in both branches of the faith, think it is possible. Some say it is likely. Some say it is inevitable. Others qualify their answers with “if’s”.

In any case, they say it will be a long, difficult process, filled with obstacles that seem humanly insurmountable, and to which only God’s guidance can provide a solution.