Seminary hosts Lutheran/Catholic Dialogue 

by Pam Knepper
Managing Editor, For the Life of the World

The evening began with a welcome by Dr. Dean O. Wenthe, President of CTS, who expressed his appreciation in regard to the seriousness which the present pontiff has taken in regards to doctrine and dogma, in particular, his vigorous efforts on behalf of the Christian vision of life and the sanctity of the unborn.

Cardinal Edward I. Cassidy, president of the Catholic Church's Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, followed with a keynote address entitled, Commitment to Ecumenism and Its Consequences for the Churches and the Faithful.

In his address, Cardinal Cassidy dealt first with the nature of the Catholic Church's commitment to ecumenism, based especially on the teaching of Pope John Paul II in the Encyclical Utunum sint. 

"The Encyclical should be seen first and foremost as an urgent appeal not only to the bishops, clergy, religious and faithful of the Catholic Church, but to all Christians," said Cardinal Cassidy. "Restoring unity is to be considered a task for all members of the Church, according to the ability of each."

Cardinal Cassidy went on to explain what ecumenism is to the Catholic Church, in the words of Pope John Paul II.

"Ecumenism is not just some sort of appendix which is added to the Church's traditional activity. Rather, ecumenism is an organic part of her life and work, and consequently must pervade all that she is and does. It must be like the fruit borne by a healthy and flourishing tree which grows to its full stature."

Cardinal Cassidy explained that in order for ecumenism to work, a new mentality in all that concerns other Christians first must take place. 

"Pope John Paul II has stated on at least two occasions that it is not enough for Christians simply to tolerate one another. If we are brothers and sisters, then we must love one another. We must respect one another and care for one another," said Cardinal Cassidy. "Hence, there can be no place in our minds for the old prejudices, stereotypes, suspicions. The well-being of my brother or sister Christian should be my joy; the difficulties faced by his or her church my concern. In particular, we should be sensitive to the beliefs and deep convictions of the other, even when we cannot share those same beliefs and convictions."

Another point that Cardinal Cassidy touched on was the serious involvement of theological dialogue.

"There can be no real unity if we remain deeply divided on doctrinal questions. There are those who would have us leave aside the old theological disputes and seek to find a different way ahead by coming together around a Conciliar table," said Cardinal Cassidy. "Nothing, I believe, could be more disastrous for ecumenism. Those essential acts of our faith that we wish so dearly to share, such as full participation in the Eucharist or the mutual recognition of ministers, can never take place until we have overcome our doctrinal divisions on these and other essential articles of the Christian faith."

Cardinal Cassidy concluded his address by stating that even though much has been achieved in the search for Christian unity, much more could be done, with much still to be achieved.

"What seems important to me is that we look forward with hope and that we do not become discouraged. God works in this world with poor instruments. We are so often afraid. We are chained to memories of the past. We are held back by the divisions within our own communities," concluded Cardinal Cassidy. "We have no need to be afraid of the truth. Our Lord Jesus Christ says to us, as He did to His first disciples, 'Why are you troubled, and why are these doubts rising in your hearts?' (Luke 24:38). Our task is simply 'to let down the nets' (Luke 5:4), to have faith in the Lord Jesus, and to allow ourselves to be guided by His Spirit.

Following Cardinal Cassidy, were responses from the Rev. Prof. Kurt E. Marquart, associate professor of systematic theology at CTS, and Dr. Eugene L. Brand, retired assistant general secretary for ecumenical affairs for the Lutheran World Federation (LWF).

In Rev. Marquart's response, he freely admitted that the ecumenical movement has brought about profound changes for the better, so far as the attitudes of Christians are concerned, but that we need to move beyond the introductory stages of ecumenism or greeting card ecumenism and face the hard issues of truth.

"Truth does not refer to any qualitative achievements of our own fallen and fickle human nature, but it refers to that Truth which alone can make us free. The truth as it is in Jesus, our divine, human Savior, who is Himself, the Way, the Truth and the Life," explained Rev. Marquart. "That life-giving truth is the one thing needful, the only genuine way and key to the ultimate ecumenical goal of visible unity in full communion."

Along with facing the hard issues of truth, Rev. Marquart was quick to point out that within the ecumenical movement we must not yield to illusions which could cloud our judgments and dissipate our efforts.

"Therefore, it is for us to pursue and press toward the divine truth to the very best of our ability," said Rev. Marquart. "The outcome, however, does not lie in our hands, but in His, without whom the builders build in vain. To Him be all our humble ecumenical efforts commended." 

Dr. Brand, who like Cardinal Cassidy, stressed the importance of theological dialogue, also emphasized the need for visible unity.

"The world desperately needs one voice from Christ's body on earth," said Dr. Brand. "Unity is a matter of obedience. One must be obedient to the will of God for the unity of the church." 

The dialogue ended with a question-and-answer period from the audience which was immediately followed with a Vespers service in Kramer Chapel led by the Rev. Matthew Harrison, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne.

"The Lutheran/Catholic Dialogue was characterized by a forthright discussion of those issues which are at the center of Christian identity-Christ's person and work, the reliability of Scripture, and the need for both truth and clarity," explained Dr. Dean O. Wenthe. "The clarity of analysis and positive nature of the discussion will serve the Christian community well."