Canadian Bishops issue new document on ecumenism

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council's Decree on Ecumenism, Unitatis Redintegratio in November, 2014, (1964-2014), the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), through its Episcopal Commission for Christian Unity, Religious Relations with the Jews, and Interfaith Dialogue, has published the following document: A Church in Dialogue: Towards the Restoration of Unity among Christians. This publication provides an in-depth presentation of the Church's commitment to ecumenical dialogue and is intended for those already involved in, and familiar with, ecumenical work. This new resource is available on the CCCB website as a downloadable PDF which can be printed and distributed without charge.

In the concluding remarks of the document, the Bishops state: "We are called to be a Church in dialogue because God has entered into a redeeming life-giving dialogue with the world, and sends us forth in his name. The disunity and dissension within the Body of Christ is a contradiction and undermining of the message we proclaim."

The Bishops continue by noting that "the anniversary of the Second Vatican Council's Decree on Ecumenism provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the ways that we have grown together in these five decades, and to consider how we are being called to deepen our commitment to journey together with other Christians today on the path to full ecclesial unity. There is much reason to rejoice."

This document complements an earlier publication released in August 2014 entitled: "A Church in Dialogue: Catholic Ecumenical Commitment" which is intended for parishes, colleges, and high schools as well as discussion groups and can still be ordered via CCCB publications at 1-800-769-1147 or online at www.cccbpublications.ca

Download the new document here: www.cccb.ca/site/images/stories/pdf/A_Church_in_Dialogue_long_version_EN.PDF