WCC NEWS: The Ecumenical Legacy of Pope Benedict XVI

In an address the day after he was elected pope, Benedict XVI pledged to work for the full and visible unity of all Christ’s followers and to do everything in his power to promote the fundamental cause of ecumenism. Pope Benedict XVI met former WCC general secretaries Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia (January 2008) and Bishop Olav Fykse Tveit (December 2010). Photos:  L'Osservatore Romano 31 December 2022 * By Dr Stephen G. Brown  “Good intentions do not suffice for this,” he said in his first message at the end of mass with the College of Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel on 20 April 2005. “Concrete gestures that enter hearts and stir consciences are essential.” Some were sceptical about the German-born pope’s ecumenical commitment given his reputation in his previous position as prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. In 2000, in the statement “Dominus Iesus,” the congregation asserted that Protestant communities “are not Churches in the proper sense.” Yet Benedict was the first pope to have come from a country with a roughly equal balance between Protestants and Catholics, and one that had been at the very centre of the 16th-century Reformation. As Professor Joseph Ratzinger, he was also the first pope to have belonged to a committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC). In 1968, when for the first time Roman Catholics were appointed as full members of the WCC’s Commission on Faith and Order, Ratzinger was among them. In 1971, he addressed the commission on religion and culture. In Germany, as archbishop of Munich und Freising, Ratzinger became the Roman Catholic co-chair alongside Protestant Bishop Eduard Lohse of a joint ecumenical commission that sought to find ways of bridging the centuries-old rift between the two traditions. Scholars have noted his decisive role in the 1999 Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification by the Catholic Church and the Lutheran World Federation, which dealt with one of the central issues in the 16th-century Reformation that divided the followers of Martin Luther and the papacy. In 2011, he was the first pope since the Reformation to visit the Augustinian monastery – now a Protestant church – in the German city of Erfurt where Luther trained as a monk. At a meeting there with Protestant leaders, Benedict praised Luther’s quest to understand how to receive the grace of God as the “the deep passion and driving force of his whole life’s journey.” However, at the ecumenical prayer service at the monastery, he said that “talk of an ‘ecumenical gift’” expected from his visit represented a misreading of faith and of ecumenism. While he said he did not need to specify the gift, it was understood to be a reference to a widespread desire for Protestant–Catholic couples to be able to receive communion together. Benedict’s invitation in 2012 to Dr Rowan Williams to become the first archbishop of Canterbury to address a synod of bishops in Rome said something of the pontiff’s appreciation for the Anglican leader. However, the Vatican’s decision to set up an “ordinariate” to receive disaffected Anglicans led to widespread irritation. It was with the Orthodox churches of the East to which most hopes for greater unity were directed. In 1976, Ratzinger had suggested that from a theological perspective, the union of the churches of East and West was fundamentally possible, although the spiritual preparation had not advanced sufficiently. Within a short time of Benedict becoming pope, long-standing issues that had prevented meetings of the Catholic–Orthodox international dialogue commission were swept aside. In November 2006, Pope Benedict visited the Ecumenical Patriarch, Bartholomew I, for the feast day of St Andrew, considered to be the founder of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, the former name for present-day Istanbul. By 2007, the Catholic–Orthodox commission had drawn up the Ravenna document on conciliarity and primacy, seen as a first step towards overcoming the thousand-year disagreement on papal primacy, although the early momentum was lost in the years that followed. Nevertheless, by the time of his decision in 2013 to step down as pope – something unprecedented in the modern era – Pope Benedict had set in motion a dynamic that could be continued by his successor, Pope Francis, in his quest for ecumenical dialogue.   "Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI leaves a legacy of ecumenical dialogue", WCC news release, 31 December 2022 Address of Joseph Ratzinger to the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches, Louvain, 1971, WCC Faith and Order Papers Digital Edition   * Dr Stephen G. Brown is editor of The Ecumenical Review, the quarterly journal of the World Council of Churches   See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania.  Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland

WCC NEWS: Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI leaves a legacy of ecumenical dialogue

Expressing the profound sadness of the World Council of Churches (WCC) following the announcement by the Holy See of the death of His Holiness Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI today, the WCC acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca stated: “On behalf of the World Council of Churches, I express our deepest condolences on the passing of late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. He was the first pope to have come from a country, Germany, with a roughly equal balance between Protestants and Catholics, and one that had been at the very centre of the 16th century Reformation.” Pope Benedict XVI, Photo: L'Osservatore Romano 31 December 2022 Benedict was also the first pope to have belonged to a committee of the World Council of Churches, as one of the Catholic members of its Faith and Order Commission. Within a short time of Benedict becoming pope, longstanding grievances that had prevented meetings of the Catholic-Orthodox dialogue commission were swept aside. By 2007, the commission had drawn up the “Ravenna Declaration” as a first step towards overcoming the thousand-year disagreement on the role of the papacy. Intriguingly, several key individuals in this process had all been members of the WCC’s Faith and Order Commission. “He demonstrated courage as much in his leadership, his writings, and his pronouncements,” said Sauca. Sauca added: “In the one ecumenical movement he constantly affirmed as irreversible the deep involvement of the Roman Catholic Church in ecumenism, especially in responding to the challenging issues for the church in the world.” The condolences were shared by WCC central committee moderator Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, who emphasized: “I share my heartfelt condolences about the death of Pope Emeritus Benedikt XVI with Pope Francis and his whole church. When I followed his life, I have often thought of the words that he spoke on his 85th birthday on 16 April 2012 in the Pauline Chapel of the Vatican. Together with a Bavarian delegation, I had the privilege to participate in this small and very personal service.” At that time, Pope Emeritus Benedikt XVI stated: “I am now facing the last chapter of my life and I do not know what awaits me. I know, however, that the light of God exists, that he is Risen, that his light is stronger than any darkness, that the goodness of God is stronger than any evil in this world.” Bedford-Strohm reflected on those words: “He probably didn’t dare to think that he would live on another full ten more years. I am, however, sure that he now experiences the truth of these words spoken then.”   WCC expresses respect for Pope Benedict as he resigns (WCC news release 11 February 2013) Pope Benedict’s contributions to Christian unity (WCC news release 27 February 2013) Pope Benedict and WCC leader reaffirm common goals for visible church unity (WCC news release 4 December 2010) WCC general secretary confident about Christian unity progress (WCC news release 25 January 2008) Benedict XVI: Kobia prays for renewed commitment to ecumenical openess and a dialogue of conversion (WCC news release 20 April 2005) Joseph Ratzinger’s section report at the Louvain WCC Faith and Order commission 1971 See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania.  Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland

This Week in Religion - Ministering to migrants stuck at the U.S.-Mexico border

Lead story

Stuck at border, migrants find a little Christmas cheer

Editor's note:

Food, shelter and pastoral care – that’s what religious organizations are providing migrants on the U.S.-Mexico border just as they have for years. Recently, reporter Giovanna Dell’Orto with The Associated Press’ Global Religion Team spent about a week at the border documenting how the nuns, priests, pastors and other faithful are trying to serve the influx of people – some who can’t go back home – waiting to cross into the U.S.

Along with cartel violence and Christmas celebrations in jammed shelters, the crisis has been magnified by an uncertain end date for a Trump-era asylum ban, frigid winter temperatures and dashed hopes of starting a new life in America anytime soon. Thanks to Giovanna’s prior reporting on the border, she and other AP journalists gained exclusive access to migrant spaces as they hustled to show how faith leaders ministered amid the uncertainty and rising tensions. 

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Religion News

Shapiro’s big win is a high note amid antisemitism surge

Josh Shapiro will soon be taking office as Pennsylvania’s governor after running a campaign in which he spoke often about his Jewish religious heritage. At a time of rising concern about overt expressions of antisemitism, some observers see a bright spot in his decisive victory. By Peter Smith/The Associated Press

In Haiti, a crisis of violence, chaos, and cholera goes largely ignored by outside world

Charities do what they can to help the impoverished nation, but international action is needed to bring order and restore infrastructure, experts on the ground say.  By Bob Smietana/Religion News Service

State lawsuits defend abortion access with religious freedom arguments

Critics of religious freedom laws often argue they are used to discriminate against LGBTQ people and only protect a conservative Christian worldview. But following the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, religious abortion-rights supporters are citing these laws to protect access to abortion. By Arleigh Rodgers/The Associated Press

In Mexico, posadas bring early Christmas spirit, community

For more than a week before Christmas, a joyful parade wound its way through the streets of the Mexico City borough of Xochimilco. Similar festive processions, known as posadas, happen across the country; traditionally they are re-enactments of part of the Christmas story. By Maria Teresa Hernandez/The Associated Press

How the battle over Christian nationalism often starts with homeschooling

Some of the most popular homeschool curriculum textbooks teach that the first Europeans to arrive in Virginia and Massachusetts made a covenant with God to Christianize the land. By Bob Smietana and Emily McFarlan Miller/Religion News Service

 

Commentary and Analysis

The Catholic view on indulgences and how they work today

The practice of granting indulgences by the Catholic Church, criticized by Martin Luther in the 16th century, still exists, as part of the doctrine -- but in a different form. By Myriam Renaud for The Conversation

Taliban will be the losers for denying women an education

The Prophet Muhammad called the pursuit of knowledge ‘obligatory for every Muslim.’  Daisy Khan/Religion News Service

After 50 years, 'liberation theology' is still reshaping Catholicism and politics – but what is it?

The influential movement, which is still controversial both inside and outside Catholicism, must be understood in the context of Latin American history. By Leo Guardado for The Conversation

Muslim Brotherhood at the crossroads: Where now for Egypt's once-powerful group following leader's death in exile, repression at home?

The Muslim Brotherhood once held the reins of power in Egypt. Now it faces internal splits, government repression and dwindling support. By Ioana Emy Matesan for The Conversation

 

Photos of the Week: World Cup final; Festival of Lights and more

Fans watch the homecoming parade of the Argentine national soccer team, which won the 2022 World Cup tournament in Qatar, from an overpass in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022. The sign reads, "I only ask God." (AP Photo/Victor Caivano)

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• This Week in Religion is a publication of the Global Religion Journalism Initiative, a collaboration among the Religion News Service, The Associated Press and The Conversation U.S.
• The three news organizations work to improve general understanding and analyze the significance of developments in the world of faith.

 

 

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Editor's Note:  Due to a stalled upgrade process with our server provider, this week's articles are being provided in pdf format. We apologize for the inconvenience and are hopeful that the issues will be resolved shortly. NEW!!! AME News Digest 12.30.2022 Emotions during the Holidays Dr. Jennifer Sims, Contributing Writer My first job was as a part-time seasonal sales associate in the Christmas Shop of a department store. I sold store gift cards, decorations, and toys to shoppers who were preparing for Christmas and other winter holidays. I loved listening to Christmas music, smelling eggnog-scented candles, and chatting with customers about holiday plans. My big smile and “Thank you! Merry Christmas!” were the sincere valedictions of a person filled with holiday cheer. Usually.   Read More Here

A Tale of Two Leaders By Miss Tashara S. Void, Contributing Writer Once upon a time, there was a tale of two leaders. One leader was a man not known to have great riches, but he fared well enough. He received an inquiry from a young man looking for a place to work, as he was hungry and had no way of acquiring food. The man hired the young man and charged him with feeding the pigs. It was not a very classy job, but it provided a little something for him. Unfortunately, his provisions were not enough to actually fill his stomach, and he began to long for the pods of the pigs. Thankfully, he remembered something, rather someone, before he reduced himself to such a humiliating state.   Read More Here Service is all in the name By Robbie Colson-Ramsey, Contributing Writer      Recently Morris Brown College had its homecoming celebration, my husband and I are proud graduates of the institution, so we decided to Uber down to campus. When we jumped in the car, we heard a local funeral home commercial declaring that “their name means service.” Have you ever stopped and thought about that for a moment? Your name is your bond, and your bond is your name. As a child, our parents taught us not to bring dishonor to my family name. People often know your name before they know you as a person. Your name does mean service.   Read More Here The Devil You Don’t Know: A Warning & A Teaching Part I Rev. Dr. Melinda Contreras-Byrd, Contributing Writer  Before Trump took office, I was invited to speak at an annual national Black clergy gathering at Princeton University.  At that time, I could not have imagined those events coming to pass throughout the world and in the United States of America!   I could not have imagined that a man with such a negative history could be elected president of the United States!  I could not have imagined the litany of Black unarmed people who would be killed by police fire. Read More Here Schools Are Made For Learning And Not For Shootings. What Is Happening In America? By James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D. Growing up, I enjoyed going to school because it was fun, and I saw my friends. Learning new things was the biggest part of my school experience. The environment was set up so that we could be social and get an education as well. I never recall getting up and saying that I did not want to go to school. The children in my Winston-Salem, North Carolina neighborhood had good attitudes about school. We did not balk or complain about it. Staying home from school was never an option except when we were sick. Communities viewed schools in a positive light, and that light was extremely bright. We, as students, wanted to be there, and our teachers wanted to be there, too.  Read More Here Great Lakes Annual Conference Ordains 17 Ministers On the first weekend, in November in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Great Lakes Annual Conference held its first session under Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr. Of particular note was the presence of pastors from the country of Rwanda, which was joined to the Great Lakes Conference by the 2012 General Conference. For the first time in recorded history, Rwandan pastors received appointments from the hand of the Bishop. Seventeen persons were ordained to fill churches in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.   Read More Here September Edition of The Christian Recorder Click to read the full September edition of The Christian Recorder. TCR Dialogues Click here to watch. Connectional News The Truth Behind this AME College Student By William Cordier, Connectional Young Peoples Division (YPD) Evaluations Committee Chairperson   Coming up in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, a common theme in our Zion concerns young adults/millennial AMEs.  Two questions are commonly asked: “Why are we losing our young people?” and “How can we retain college students in our YPD?” Every young adult and YPDer in the church has heard them asked on several occasions. Even though I cannot answer these questions, I can give my perspective and experience. For a bit of a prelude, I want to give you my brief backstory. From 2013-2015, I was a Conference YPD President; I learned a lot, but I was not satisfied, so at 16, I became the 5th District YPD President in 2015. I remained in office until 2019.   Read More Here Fort Washington, Maryland:  The Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts in the Association of African Methodist Episcopal Scouts (AAMES) planned and executed a successful 1st Annual 5K In-Person/Virtual Run-Walk Race Troops and units in African Methodist Episcopal Churches in Maryland, DC, Virginia and Illinois embarked upon their first campaign to generate $25,000 to fight against Breast Cancer. Scouts chose Indigenous Peoples Weekend, to focus attention on Breast Cancer, their charitable cause, impacting females and males in Black and brown families in their local communities. Races took place at the Fort Washington National Park (Maryland), Fox Valley Park District (Aurora, IL), Lisle Park District (Lisle, IL), and Bolingbrook – Hidden Lakes Trout Farm (Bolingbrook, IL). The crisp fall chill in the air did not deter scouts from taking the 3.1 mile run/walk. Read More Here November Congratulatory  Read More Here Ecumenical News Theological Schools Report Continued Drop in Master of Divinity Degrees Professional degrees are gaining traction at theological schools across the U.S. and Canada, while the traditional ministerial degree, the master of divinity, is faltering, according to new data released late last month. But Chris Meinzer, senior director and chief operation officer of The Association of Theological Schools, noted that overall enrollment at ATS schools has remained stable and that the master of divinity degree isn’t dying. Instead, he said, the M.A. degree is appealing to more students. Read More Here Ads Not on our list? Join Here The News Digest contains selected articles from the newspaper.  Click below to get full access! Buy Here

Share Tweet Forward The Christian Recorder is the official newspaper of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the oldest continuously produced publication by persons of African descent.   Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., Chair of the General Board Commission on Publications Rev. Dr. Roderick D. Belin, President/Publisher of the AME Sunday School Union Dr. John Thomas III, Editor of The Christian Recorder Copyright © 2022 The Christian Recorder, All rights reserved.