Ecumenical Commission

London Diocese, Ontario, Canada

Ut Unum Sint

That All May Be One

Ecumenism is not an "appendix" added to traditional church activity, but "an organic part of her life and work, and consequently must pervade all that she is and does," Pope John Paul II writes in his 12th encyclical, titled "Ut Unum Sint" (That All May Be One). The encyclical, released in Rome May 30, 1995, is subtitled "On Commitment to Ecumenism." The encyclical examines the papacy's role as "visible sign and guarantor" of unity, acknowledging that the bishop of Rome "constitutes a difficulty for most other Christians, whose memory is marked by certain painful recollections." Pope John Paul says he has "a particular responsibility" to heed the request "to find a way of exercising the primacy which, while in no way renouncing what is essential to its mission, is nonetheless open to a new situation." The encyclical discusses ecumenism's history, sacramental sharing, dialogue's nature, reception by the churches of dialogue group-agreements, common prayer, joint service, ecumenical translations of the Bible, doctrine, areas needing "fuller study before a true consensus of faith can be achieved" (No. 79) and other matters. "Ecumenical dialogue ... makes surprising discoveries possible," the pope says, noting how polemics have grown from assertions that really resulted from "two different ways of looking at the same reality." He encourages "a vision of unity which takes account of all the demands of revealed truth." But he says that what "determines communion in truth" is truth's meaning; it becomes necessary to renew "forms of expression" to transmit the Gospel message "in its unchanging meaning" to people today.

Ecumenical Web Sites:

The Focolare Home Page

The spirituality of unity. "The message of the Focolare Movement is not a complicated one; its spirituality is drawn straight from the Gospel. For 2,000 years Jesus has asked his followers to give God the first place in their lives. He desires the fulfillment of his New Commandment: 'Love one another as I have loved you' (Jn 13:34). It is not great works that characterize Christians, nor knowledge, miracles or mystical phenomena. If we love one another, then the world will believe." - Chiara Lubich

Ecumenical News International

Ecumenical News International (ENI) is a new news service with a special focus on providing religious news - in English and French - for the international media.

The World Council of Churches

The WCC is a fellowship of Churches, now 330, in more than 120 countries in all continents from virtually all Christian traditions.

Church Net UK

Church Net UK is part of the Electronic Media and Religions Project of the Religious Studies Department, University College of Saint Martin.

Vatican II Called Catholics to Active Role in Ecumenism

- Pope John Paul II, Sunday Angelus, January 21, 1996.

Church and Ecumenical Resources

A listing of Internet resource sites.

Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops

Before Vatican II, the CCCB's work was centered on diocesan pastoral work. since then the emphasis has been more on shared responsibilities among bishops at the regional, national, and international levels. Currently the CCCB is active in issues such as: ecumenism, liturgy, Christian education, human rights, social justice in Canada and the Third World, respect for life, synods, relations with the Holy See and with other episcopal conferences.

As the Third Millennium Draws Near

Tertio Mellennio Adveniente

Apostolic Letter of Pope John Paul II released on November 14, 1994.

Members of the commission:

Fr. Angelo Bovenzi, Sr. Mary Cornelius, Mel Gilbert, Fr. Peter Keller, Ray Mady, Murray Watson, and John Wells

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