Any further ecumenical understanding on past doctrinal condemnations depends on a binding Roman Catholic reply being given to this document. It would be wrong to give up our efforts to reach doctrinal consensus now, as they are the only means of giving community between churches a theological foundation and formal status. Christian churches must define the basic tenets of the faith on which agreement is absolutely essential and issues on which differences and opposing views do not constitute grounds for separation between the churches any longer. Agreement on doctrinal issues as such does not bring about church unity. Neither are talks on achieving doctrinal consensus the most powerful driving force behind the ecumenical process.
Churches grow together from the roots.
We encourage local churches and groups not to slacken in their efforts to cultivate and extend relations between the Protestant Churches and the Roman Catholic Church. This task should be tackled with haste and urgency. This will enable us to do a great deal to overcome historical differences. There is a very real danger of us of sliding back into past controversies. Only by making determined efforts to find the truth of the Gospel whilst trying to understand each other and engaging in joint prayer can we make headway on the ecumenical journey.