Evening star., 1961-12-24

in America, Is one of the MANY
signs OF a new element at work
in Christianity:
Friendship is growing between
Rome and Professionalism.
After snubbing each other for
centuries. they're now resuming
brotherly associations.
They're speaking to each other
again; they are also listening.
Both sides agree they've made
mistakes, and they concede they
can learn from each other.
THE lines Of communication are
opening" says the Right Rev. Ar
thur Lichtenberg er, presid-
ing bishop Of the Protestant Epis-
copal Church in the United States.
The change is Of significant
proportions.
Not since the reformers' break
with Rome 450 years ago had
there been any regular official Ii
alson between the two wings of
Chr1stendom until the new con-
facts began recently.
Some Signs Of Progress
Now they're multiplying all
around including:
Theological consultations, Joint
biblical and archaeological stud
les, seminary lecture exchanges,
research and publications for and
about each other. visits, mutual
attendance at conferences, and
other similar intercourse.
I'VE recognize one another"
says Father Gustave Weigel, of
Woodstock College, Md. I'VE see
good will in each other. We hold
concourse with each other"
On both sides, the manners and
approaches have changed, and
underlying it all is the" question:
Will Roman Catholics and Prot
eStantS ever unite?
Leading churchmen, in both
branches of the faith. think it is
possible. Some say 1t Is likely.
Some say it is inevitable. Others
qualify their answer with Ifs"
In any case, they say it will be
long difficult process, filled with
obstacles that seem humanity in
Surmountable, and to which only
Gods guidance can provide a So
luton.
But will it ever come?
Eventually, yes, over a long,
long period, perhaps a number of
generations" said the Rev. DR..
Eugene Carson Blake, chief ex-
ecutive of the United Presbyteri-
an Church in the U. S. A.
Church history has to be
viewed in terms of centuries rath-
er than decades. Influences on
churches work slowly. But there
has been significant shift.
There is a beginning"
Hostilities Remain
In many quarters, entrenched
hostilities remain. Deep theologi-
cal and organizational chasms
would have to be bridged before
anything like actual union could
be achieved.
Yet lit is certain because it is
Gods will" said the Archbishop
of Canterbury, the most Rev. Ar
thur M. Ramsey. He, too, stressed
it will take a long time, and
added:
THE movement is only in its
initial stage of creating a friendly
spirit and basis for frank and
full discussions.
He said the next step must be
serious mutual probing of the
essential matters of truth and the
fundamental problems causing
the division.
1T will be question of estab-
fishing always more frequent
contacts inspired by the
greatest honesty and charity"
says Augustin Cardinal Bea, head
of the recently established Vati-
can secretariat on Christian
unity.
only in this way by slow work
can minds be drawn gradually to-
gether."
Among the chief differences be-
tween Protestants and Roman
Catholics is the issue of church au-
thority, particularly over what is
loosely termed "papal infallibility.
The Eek Cothedro' Matter
Under this doctrine, Rome
maintains that since Christ PROM
ised to guide his church in truth
then the Pope cannot err when
speaking lex cathedra" - from
the chair on matters of faith
and morals.
Popes have invoked that au-
thority only once since it was pro-
claimed in 1870 at a council
that was interrupted by war and
which never got around to fully
amplifying it.
With second Vatican council
scheduled for late next year or
early 1868, many observers have
noted that the very calling of a
council indicates the Pope doesn't
stand alone in shaping church
teachings and practices.
In fact the Vatican has invited
suggestions from all quarters,
recognizing that the Holy Spirit
plants inspiration in the humblest
places of Christendom a note
familiar in Professionalism.
Although Rome maintains that
established doctrine is unchange-
able, indications are that there
will be Qualifications and fresh in
terpretations that may ease some
of the tensions.
The council, said Cardinal Bea,
"will not bring us unity of Chris
tianity at once but if we implore
the Holy Spirit it may result in