The Pope's latest remarks on Christian unity



"I am convinced it won't be theologians who bring about unity among us. Theologians help us, the science of the theologians will assist us, but if we hope that theologians will agree with one another, we will reach unity the day after Judgement Day." --Francis

Read the complete transcript of the Pope's remarks here: http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/text-of-pope-s-videomessage-for-day-of-christian-unity-in-us



Pope Francis. Photo: Korea.net
It still appears to me that the Roman communion has no ecclesial mechanism toward unity besides conversion of others to Roman Catholic. Thus, as this pope has done before, in other matters such as accommodating gays and affirming atheists, he may sound like he is signalling something beyond what his Church is ready to deliver.

We see the durable old Roman attitude toward other churches--my way or the highway--in the 'concession' to Anglicans through the Ordinariate. Anglicans may become Roman Catholics who happen to have something resembling a Book of Common Prayer. In a somewhat similar way, Byzantine Catholics can have their own distinctive customs so long as they understand who is really in charge. I have difficulty imagining Baptists following such a course, or Pentecostals or even Methodists. Something further is needed.

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