Benedict XVI Praying for Ecumenical Event
VATICAN CITY, AUG. 31, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is asking prayers so that the 3rd Ecumenical Assembly will be a step toward unity.The ecumenical gathering, to be held in Sibiu, Romania, next Tuesday through Thursday, will be the Pope's prayer intention for this month, according to the Apostleship of Prayer.
The Holy Father's general intention for the month of September is: "That the ecumenical assembly of Sibiu in Romania may contribute to the growth of unity among all Christians, for whom the Lord prayed at the Last Supper."
His apostolic intention is: "That, following Christ joyfully, all missionaries may know how to overcome the difficulties they meet in everyday life."
posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 7:41 PM
1 Comments:
Re: Ecumenism
Jesus said, “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst” (Mt 18:20). Ignatius of Antioch wrote, “where Christ is, there is the Catholic Church” (Letter to Smyrnaeans, 8, ca. AD 105). One may conclude that the Catholic Church is wherever two or more have gathered in Jesus’ name.
According to early church sources, apostolic succession is not required for the sacraments; e.g., “God is present in His sacraments to confirm His words by whomsoever the sacraments may be administered” (Augustine, On Baptism, Against the Donatists, 5.20.27).
Although there are no perfect churches, no church should be denigrated for naming Christ as its head. The many churches are one Body precisely because they have one head, the Lord Jesus.
For more about the above, as well as to gain biblical and historical insights about:
1. How the Church can be one, holy, catholic and apostolic without needing a universal Pope or ongoing apostolic succession.
2. How the doctrine of transubstantiation conflicts with the 4th Ecumenical Council.
... See the 11 page paper entitled “Is the Roman Catholic Church the Only Church of Christ?” at www.normgeisler.com under “articles,” guest authors.
Blessings.
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