We hope that the succeeding essays make a worthy contribution to that dialogue. We maintain and intend to show that the evidence in the earliest records of the Church and in the Bible itself manifest that the Church that has preserved the teaching of the Apostles whole and intact is the Catholic Church. As the Roman Catechism said The whole concern of doctrine and its teaching must be directed to the love that never ends. Whether something is proposed for belief, for hope or for action, the love of our Lord must always be made accessible, so that anyone can see that all the works of perfect Christian virtue spring from love and have no other objective than to arrive at love. In the end, it is the love of Christ that will fully unify his followers.
Authentic ecumenism is a gift at the service of truth.
On the other hand, Catholics must gladly acknowledge and esteem the truly Christian endowments for our common heritage which are to be found among our separated brethren. It is right and salutary to recognize the riches of Christ and virtuous works in the lives of others who are bearing witness to Christ, sometimes even to the shedding of their blood. For God is always wonderful in his works and worthy of all praise. Nor should we forget that anything wrought by grace of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of our separated brethren can contribute to our own edification. Love builds communion between individuals and between Communities.