Co-Workers of the Truth 1/26

The proper goal of all ecumenical efforts must unquestionably continue to be the conversion of the plurality of separated confessional churches into a plurality of local churches, which in their various forms, are in reality only one Church. Given the actual situation, however, it seems important to me that we establish realistic intermediate goals; otherwise ecumenical zeal may easily degenerate into resignation or even a renewed bitterness that seeks to place the blame for the failure to reach the great goal on whatever “other” is readily available. Then the last state of affairs could well be worse than the first.

These intermediate goals will differ depending on how far dialogue has proceeded in an individual case. Basically, it should always be possible to give together the witness of love (charitable and social works), or at least to work amicably together if, for technical reasons, it seems preferable to maintain separate organizations. Effort should also be made to bear common witness with regard to the great moral issues of the day.

Finally, in a world shaken by doubt and anxiety, a fundamental witness to the Faith should be made in common – the more comprehensive, the better; but even if it can be done only in a relatively small degree, whatever can be done, in any event, should be done. As a result of all this, the elements of Christianity that are held in common in and despite divisions should be more and more recognized and loved; divisions should be no longer a reason for hostility, but an incentive to an inner understanding and acceptance of the other that is more meaningful than mere tolerance: a listening to one another in fidelity to Jesus Christ. Perhaps in such an attitude, which does not lose sight of the final goal, but in the meantime, takes the first step toward it, a deeper maturing of total unity can be accomplished than in a plan for unity that remains in the foreground and is all too often merely fictive.

from: Kirche, Okumene und Politk, pp.114-15