To the Representatives of Non-Catholic Christian Denominations (24 February 1981)

 On 24 February 1981, the Holy Father spoke at the Apostolic Nunciature, addressing the representatives of Non-Catholic Christian Denominations. The Pope spoke of their need “to pray for one another and, on some occasions, also to pray together, especially so that full unity between us may be re-established.”

Dear Christian brothers of Japan,

Thank you for coming as representatives of your Churches and communities, to meet with me. “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all!” (2 Thess 3, 8).

1. The ecumenical movement has enabled us to see more clearly in this time the bonds that unite Christians, through Christ and in the Holy Spirit, in one communion, even if incomplete due to the real divisions that remain. But God in his plan of love calls us to a unity as profound as it is mysterious, like that between the Father and the Son. Christ himself prayed for his followers that "they may be one like us" ( Jn 17:22). There is in fact "one Lord, one faith, one Baptism" ( Eph 4, 5), which brings together all those who have been justified by faith in baptism and are incorporated into Christ (cf. Unitatis Redintegratio , 3).

2. This already has important practical implications for relations between our Churches and communities, despite the divisions. It means that we must first recognize each other in Christ, that we should consider the meaning of what we do in our various churches and communities, that we should agree on our respective responsibilities to pray and encourage one another. Since we do this, we can begin, with the help of grace, to discover and appreciate in each other the values ​​of Christian life, “both individually and in communities and churches” ( Unitatis Redintegratio , 3) . This appreciation is the work of grace, but it is also something that we too can encourage. Sometimes there will be an opportunity to gather or act together in service of the Gospel.

3. Above all, we are called to pray for one another and, on some occasions, also to pray together, especially so that full unity between us may be re-established. This prayer is essential to focus attention on our one Lord Jesus Christ, whom we adore and to whom we must give faithful testimony. Since there are still important matters of faith on which we have not yet reached agreement, there must be intense prayer for the reconciliation and complete unity that Our Lord wants for his people. How I would like to encourage you to commit to this on the occasion of the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, joining them everywhere in the world in a great act of intercession that can open hearts and lives to the reconciling power of Christ!

4. In such an atmosphere of prayer, theological dialogue can flourish and we can address, in accordance with our ecumenical responsibilities, those difficult questions that still keep us divided. Furthermore, fervent prayer will enlighten us to see and give us strength to seize the opportunities that arise to give a common testimony to Jesus Christ and to his Gospel. All the Christians in Japan together are such a small number. Nonetheless, what a splendid mission yours is, to try to be a leaven of love in the midst of society's divergences, to set an example of altruism and proclaim it with all the other values ​​of the Gospel in the face of the materialistic values ​​of consumerism, to underline human dignity and the value of the human person against everything in modern society that could diminish them. With the sense of Christian solidarity that is known throughout the world, you certainly have a special ability to promote in your homeland an awareness of Japan's responsibility towards the many countries and peoples of Asia who are in a less favorable position. Especially in dialogue with peoples of other faiths, may Christians come together to promote religious and human values. Among the different tendencies amidst the existing divisions, you can be a leaven, a seed of salvation. 

5. Saint Paul exhorted the people of Corinth: "Heed my call, be of one mind among yourselves, live in peace and the God of peace will be with you" (2 Cor 13, 11). I offer you today his words as support for your efforts to hold ever more to that fullness of communion desired by Christ our Lord. My prayer is that this small band of Japanese Christians can grow together to be a living sign of hope in Japan and throughout Asia.

May the Lord keep you in his peace and may the love of Christ always dwell in your hearts and homes.

Let's pray .

Lord,
pour out on us the fullness
of your mercy
by the power of your Spirit
remove the divisions between Christians.
Let your Church rise more clearly as a sign
to all nations, so that the world may be flooded
with the light of your Spirit
and believe in Jesus Christ whom you have sent,
who lives and reigns with you and with the Holy Spirit. ,
one God forever.
Amen.

© Copyright 1981 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana 

Copyright © Dicastery for Communication - Libreria Editrice Vaticana