Cardinal Koch on Anglican Division:
In response to the Church of England’s recent decision to allow blessings for same-sex couples, Cardinal Kurt Koch, a 73-year-old Swiss prelate, highlighted the significant division within the Anglican world.
The move by the Church of England, particularly contentious in Africa, has stirred strong opposition, reflecting the diverse perspectives within the Anglican communion.
Cardinal Koch’s Conversations – Shock in the Russian Orthodox Church:
Cardinal Koch further revealed his discussions with Metropolitan Hilarion of Budapest, representing the Russian Orthodox Church.
According to Koch, Metropolitan Hilarion expressed profound shock upon reading the Church of England’s decision, underscoring the magnitude of its impact across different branches of Christianity.
Next Steps in Ecumenical Dialogue – Week of Prayer for Christian Unity:
When queried about the next steps in engaging with these churches, Cardinal Koch mentioned the upcoming Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
During this period, the International Mixed Commission between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox churches will convene in Rome.
Additionally, a plenary assembly of the Oriental Orthodox is scheduled in Rome, providing an opportune platform to discuss and address pertinent issues.
Seeking Clarification and Dialogue – Correspondence with Cardinal Fernández:
In light of the feedback received from the Orthodox churches, Cardinal Koch acknowledged the need for clarity.
He revealed that he wrote to Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, the prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, seeking explanations ahead of the upcoming meeting.
This proactive approach reflects the cardinal’s commitment to fostering open dialogue and addressing concerns within the broader Christian community.
Conclusion and Meeting Details:
The plenary meeting of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue, involving the Catholic Church and the 14 autocephalous Orthodox churches, is scheduled to take place from January 22 to 26.
This meeting holds significance in facilitating theological discussions and fostering understanding among different Christian traditions.
Cardinal Koch’s efforts to navigate the complexities arising from the Church of England’s decision demonstrate the ongoing challenges in ecumenical relations.
The engagement with Orthodox churches reflects a commitment to dialogue and understanding, even in the face of theological differences.
The proactive communication with Cardinal Fernández emphasizes the importance of seeking clarification within the Catholic Church regarding these developments.
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