Posted on 06/04/2007 9:17:15 AM PDT by Alex Murphy
Jun. 4, 2007 (CWNews.com) - As German Lutherans open a conference in Cologne, two of the country’s top Catholic prelates have reiterated the teaching of the Church opposing intercommunion with Protestants.
Cardinals Karl Lehmann and Joachim Meisner explained that sharing in the Eucharist-- a practice that has become widespread in Germany-- is contrary to the teaching of the Church. While expressing their support for ecumenical work, the cardinals said that sharing in Communion signifies a full accord in faith, which in reality does not exist.
Cardinal Lehmann, in an interview with Neue Osnabrucker Zeitung said that Catholics and Lutherans should work toward the realization of full unity, at which point intercommunion would be a natural consequence of shared belief and worship. Until that point is reached, he said, sharing in Communion should be regarded as “immature fruit” of ecumenism.
“While expressing their support for ecumenical work, the cardinals said that sharing in Communion signifies a full accord in faith, which in reality does not exist.”
The cardinal is of course absolutely correct, which is why some of us Orthodox wonder why there is a seeming insistance on the part of some bishops that it is appropriate for Orthodox to receive communion in Roman Catholic parishes. We are clearly very close; we recognize each others sacraments, the Apostolic Succession of the bishops and the validity of each others orders, but we are not in full accord on matters of dogma.
The way we see it, some are trying to use a shared Eucharist as a tool of unity rather than the perfect symbol of it. God willing, that time will come, but its not here yet.
I can’t disagree. Unity with those that don’t share the same beliefs is not smart.
These two Bishops are completely correct. As a protestant, I know that I should not participate in communion in a Roman church, and that RCs shouldn’t partake of communion in my church.
That's right, Kolo mou. The Eucharist is an expression (symbol) of unity and not a means (tool) of achieveing it.
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