Catholic Principles of Ecumenism

The course is designed to provide a survey of the perspective of the Catholic Church towards the ecumenical movement. It begins with a historical overview of the stance of the Church before Vatican II and continues with the ecclesiological basis (Lumen Gentium) of the shift realized by the Council. It then offers a Biblical basis drawing from Old and New Testaments. The core of the course is constituted by a comprehensive presentation of the Catholic principles of ecumenism contained in the decree Unitatis Redintegratio and expounded in the post–conciliar Magisterium. It presents different aspects of the ecumenical engagement of the Church and indicates main areas of ongoing divergence in matters of doctrine and ethics. Upon completing the course students should be able to articulate the Catholic principles on ecumenism and to actively engage in the search for Christian unity following them. Methodology will include in-class or/and online lectures using electronic material (Power Point presentations, video clips), primary and secondary readings, written material provided by the lecturer.