At times, in the current impression, the theme of ecumenism seems dominated by clichés, where, rather than the search for unity, the convictions of a coexistence or, better, of a good relationship between the Catholic Church and the other Confessions, which in the past were characterized by strong contrasts: almost a sort of irenism. On the other hand, the historical images of the fraternal meeting between Saint Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagora or those of Saint John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Pope Francis with Patriarch Bartholomew are known and taken for granted. And the root of this new climate is traced back to the “spirit” of the Second Vatican Council and, more precisely, to the Decree Unitatis redintegratio (1964), as well as to the subsequent Encyclical Ut unum sint of the Polish Pontiff (1995).
Indeed, if historically the conflict has led to national divisions, to which state powers have also contributed, there is no doubt that the origin is of a purely theological nature, to which it is now not always easy to recognize the terms, beyond apparent sophisms.
An important and authoritative aid for a correct picture of the question is now offered by the volume of Monsignor Ettore Malnati, well-known theologian and episcopal vicar for culture and the laity of the Diocese of Trieste, dedicated precisely to «Ecumenism. A path towards unity in truth ”, published by Morcelliana of Brescia.
The peculiarity of the work consists in starting from the origins, that is from the foundations and theological roots of the Faith, such as the mystery of the Triune and One God and the figure of Christ. And over time this basic depositum fidei has been the subject of various interpretations, to which the authority of the Successor of Peter and the first Councils (Nicaea, Jerusalem, Ephesus and so on) have placed the truthful seal: think about the initial the rise of particular schisms, such as those, among the best known, of Arius and Nestorius, relating above all to the nature / s of Christ. This debate, dormant but still present in the first millennium, will lead in 1054 to the well-known schism between East and West and to the still prevailing division. Of course, to a non-specialist the cause (but not the only one!) Hinging on the question of the Filioque, that is, whether the Holy Spirit “proceeds” from the Father and the Son or only from the Father, may also seem like a play on words and not the object of a heated dispute with the massive consequences that ensued.
Likewise, the Protestant reform of the sixteenth century was based on Lutheran doctrine, which is simplistically often remembered as a reaction to the scandal of indulgences, but which, in reality, operated a different interpretation of Scripture, and particularly of the Pauline letters, reformulating the theme of justification (and, therefore, of the related corollaries) only on the basis of the Faith and merits of the Redeemer and not also on the good works of believers.
The volume by Monsignor Malnati follows a twofold but coeval narrative thread according to a path typical of the history of Christianity: on the one hand, the basic theological references of the various schisms or heresies that gradually arise and, on the other, the activity of the Church and of his Magisterium (papal or conciliar), in refuting them, reaffirming the foundations and the development of a correct theological exegesis.
And it is in this context that the tendency towards ecumenism must be placed, which – as is shown – cannot be traced back to its development, including the mass media, of the last century, but present, albeit in different forms, needs and attitudes, even before the conciliar turning point of Vatican II.
Now if the ecumenical distinctive is represented by emphasizing first what unites, that is, the basic theological foundations, with respect to what divides, in search not of a fraternal modus vivendi, but of a possible unity, the fundamental question is all about how to remain faithful. to the theological foundations of the Faith and of the Magisterium, without exceptions or compromises in function of this unitary purpose.
The methodology and the correct path was solemnly reaffirmed by St. John XXIII in the famous opening address of the Council (Gaudet Mater Ecclesia, 11 October 1962): “unity in truth”: a principle that Malnati reports precisely in the title of his volume. And the ecumenical effort consists precisely in this: not to reconcile unity at the expense of truth, but, remaining faithful to the truth, to seek unity through constant theological dialogue, always strengthened, in the current climate of relaxed relationships, by prayer. .
After the discussion of the theme according to the scheme highlighted so far, a large concluding chapter of the work (the twentieth) contemplates a collection of some joint declarations between the Catholic Church and the other Christian Churches and Communities: there are 16 important documents from which reading can to understand the current status of interconfessional relations in the ecumenical perspective.
A volume that makes an important contribution, but with a completely personal cut, for a correct exposition of a theme that is so current, but also particularly complex and often not without misunderstandings.
Ettore Malnati, “Ecumenism. A path towards unity in truth », Morcelliana, Brescia, 2022, pp. 184, € 17.00
* Vice President Study of the Faith