Cardinal proposes shared ecumenical catechism

Cardinal Walter Kaspar

Cardinal Walter Kasper has proposed a shared "ecumenical catechism" for Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists and members of Reformed churches, during opening remarks to participants at an international ecumenical symposium on Monday.

The three day meeting, titled: ‘Harvesting the Fruits’ has brought together more than 30 leading theologians from different Churches to discuss the future of the ecumenical movement.

Cardinal Kasper, President of the Vatican’s Council for Promoting Christian Unity, told Vatican Radio: "We have affirmed our common foundation in Jesus Christ and the Holy Trinity as expressed in our common creed and in the doctrine of the first ecumenical councils."
 
The Cardinal said it was essential "to keep alive the memory of our achievements" in dialogue, educate the faithful about how much has been accomplished and prepare a new generation to carry on the work.

The ecumenical catechism would be written jointly by all the participating Churches, the Cardinal said, adding: "we do not yet have any idea how such a catechism could be structured and written."

Source: Vatican Radio