杏MAP导航

Speaking to the Finnish ecumenical delegation gathered, the 杏MAP导航 told them that ecumenism is a journey and a 鈥渟hared commitment to ecumenism is an essential requirement of the faith we profess; it stems from our very identity as Christ鈥檚 followers.鈥�

Irreversible journey

As we make this journey, 杏MAP导航 Francis continued 鈥渙ur unity grows鈥� and he reiterated that this common path that is tread is an irreversible one. This is not an optional way, he said.

鈥淲hen we pray in common, when we join in proclaiming the Gospel and serving the poor and the needy鈥�, the Pontiff observed, 鈥�we are walking together on the path leading to the goal of visible unity.鈥�

The 杏MAP导航 pointed out that the 鈥渢he theological and ecclesiological issues that still keep us apart can only be resolved in the course of the journey along this common path, without forcing matters and without being able to foresee when and how it will take place.鈥� He also underlined that the Holy Spirit was there as a guide on this journey.

Promoting encounter

In the meantime, 杏MAP导航 Francis said, 鈥渨e are called to do what we can to promote encounter and to resolve in charity the misunderstandings, conflicts and prejudices that have tainted our relations for centuries."

The 杏MAP导航 also mentioned that, 鈥渢he journey towards theological consensus has been aided by the recent Declaration of the Lutheran-Catholic Dialogue Commission for Finland on the Church, Eucharist and Ministry Communion and Growth.  The dialogue, he stressed, 鈥渘eeds to continue and to build on this beginning.鈥� 

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity        

This year, 杏MAP导航 Francis noted, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity focuses on the biblical verse, 鈥淛ustice, and only justice, you shall pursue鈥� (cf. Deut 16:18-20). 

He said,  鈥渢he verb is in the plural, and it reminds us that we cannot work for justice apart from one another.  In a world so deeply torn by conflict, hatred, forms of nationalism and division, our common prayer and commitment to greater justice cannot be deferred.鈥� 

In conclusion, the 杏MAP导航 said he was confident a shared witness of prayer and faith would prove fruitful and that the delegation鈥檚 visit would strengthen the good cooperation already existing between Lutherans, Orthodox and Catholics in Finland.