Thursday, July 06, 2006
ECUMENICAL DANGERS TO THE FAITH
Catholic News Agency reports that "the St. Benedict Center, a Benedictine ecumenical community in Madison for the past 40 years, has chosen to end its ties to the Roman Catholic Church in order to live out more comfortably its ecumenical character."
The decision was inevitable. As the article indicates, having Catholic and non-Catholic members caused those outside of the Catholic faith to feel inferior. The obvious response is to invite them to join the Church, but that isn't the solution these Benedictines chose. In other words, ecumenism and evangelization are at opposite ends of the interreligious spectrum. Dialogue leads to mutual acceptance, just as these nuns indicate. It does not lead to conversion. Unity in diversity is the great leveler of religions. There is no room for it within a faith which claims to hold the fullness of truth.
There is a logical disconnect expressed in the article as well. According to the prioress, the community "will now function as an ecumenical community, similar to Taize in France" while members retain their diverse religious affiliations. Taize is seen as a good thing apparently since these Benedictines wish to copy it.
However the bishop who has approved the changes while withdrawing permission for Mass and Eucharistic reservation, indicates that "Catholic adults are free to go to the center" but that it "would not be suitable for young people or catechumens." Perhaps the bishop is not aware that Taize is about young people primarily and that it has the Pope's blessing? So what is Taize--an ecumenical community where those in attendance learn to interact with each other in peace, or a danger to the faith of young people because of its syncretism? And the other obvious question, if this community is unsuitable for Mass and Eucharistic reservation, why are these things suitable at Taize?
Who is playing on which team in the Roman Catholic Church?
Blogger credit to New Oxford Review for the link.
Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us!
