To Christians of Other Churches (19 February 1982)

On Friday, 19 February 1982, the Holy Father addressed the representatives of other Christian Confessions to whom he said that ecumenical action should be carried out so that “Catholics may collaborate with their separated brothers, according to the provisions of the decree on ecumenism, by a common confession of faith in God and in Jesus Christ before the nations.”

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

1. It is a real spiritual joy that I experience in meeting you today, during my apostolic pilgrimage to my brothers and sons of the Catholic Church in Gabon.

The meeting with Christian brothers from Churches or ecclesial communities which are not in full communion with the Catholic Church is a component of my apostolic wanderings. It is a sign of the Catholic Church's desire to firmly continue its commitment to the ecumenical movement, especially since the Second Vatican Council.

These meetings, even if they are brief, also want to be, before those who do not share our Christian faith or who do not believe, a testimony that we give in common of our belonging to Christ the Lord.

2. In several of its documents, particularly in the decree on ecumenism, the Council emphasized the collaboration that must exist between Christian brothers scattered throughout the world. And in its document on the missionary activity of the Church, the Council insists on this collaboration: “...

As much as religious situations allow, ecumenical action must be carried out, so that, being banished all appearance of indifferentism, confusionism or odious rivalry, Catholics collaborate with the separated brothers, according to the provisions of the decree on ecumenism, by a common confession of faith in God and in Jesus Christ before the nations, as far as possible, and by cooperation in social and technical, cultural and religious questions; that they collaborate above all in the cause of Christ their common Master: may his Name unite them! This collaboration must be established not only between private persons, but also, in the judgment of the local Ordinary, between Churches or ecclesial communities and between their works”.

As far as I am concerned, in my teaching task, I have often noted this aspect. In my exhortation on catechesis, for example, I wanted to emphasize the ecumenical dimension of this primordial task of the Church and the importance of healthy collaboration with Christian brothers in this regard.

3. I know that, in your country, this is carried out in several areas and thus demonstrates the good relations which exist between the Catholic Church and the Evangelical Church in Gabon. I am thinking especially, because of the importance it has, of the already long-standing collaboration between Catholics and evangelical Protestants in the field of radio and television. I rejoice with all my heart, because this is a testimony given in common and which thus greatly serves the cause of unity.

I also know that every year, the Week of Prayer for Unity is deeply experienced here. I said a month ago, during the weekly audience during which I have the opportunity to speak to pilgrims and visitors who come to Rome, that the Week of Prayer offers us serious reasons for joy and hope, but we also make the bitter observation that all our differences have not yet been overcome. The words that I spoke that day to French-speaking pilgrims and visitors, I repeat to you today, dear Christian brothers and sisters of Gabon: “We must truly pray, beseech the Holy Spirit, after having become aware, in an adequate catechesis, that division is against the will of God...

It is in the presence of the Lord, in obedience to his will, that the journey towards unity takes place”.
Yes, let's not stop along the way. Let’s realize possible collaborations. Let us seek more deeply unity as the Lord wants it. And for this, let us let our hearts be ever more converted to the demands of his Kingdom.

It is with these sentiments that I implore upon you and all those dear to you the Blessing of Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
 

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