Receptive Ecumenism

An approach to dialogue amongst Churches that values reciprocity .

2017 marked the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. It was not just a time to recall what happened in the past but an opportunity to reflect upon the progress that has been made in the field of ecumenism. But what is going to happen now? This question was the starting point for the ninety participants at a seminar that took place in the Mariapolis Centre in Zwochau, Germany. It was entitled “Brennpunkt Okumene” (Focus on Ecumenism) and its starting point was “receptive ecumenism.” Paul D. Murray, a Catholic theologian from the University of Durham, England, outlined the ideas that lie at the heart of this approach. He said that it’s not a matter of “what the others can learn from us” but rather a question of “what we can learn from other people.” It is ecumenism based upon listening and reciprocity.

Dr. Callan Slipper, an Anglican theologian in London, explained that this approach enables people to learn from one another without hiding the wounds and hurt from the past. In fact, it creates awareness that other people help healing to take place. He and Peter Dettwiler, a theologian from the Reformed Church of Switzerland, gave a presentation that allowed listeners to penetrate the “inner life” of their respective Churches without avoiding the blows and suffering experienced. They then participated in a round table with the woman Pastor Seehafer from the community of the Free and Evangelical Church and Fr. Marcellus Klaus, a Catholic priest, offering those present the opportunity to practice “receptive ecumenism”.

The day concluded with reflection upon an extract of a talk given by Chiara Lubich in the Memorial Church in Berlin which outlines the roots of the reciprocity proposed by “receptive ecumenism”. “Before being nailed to the cross, before suffering the abandonment of the Father, in a long prayer for unity, Jesus said, ‘May they all be one.’ (Jn.17:21) We could say that when we live in unity it makes an impact: it is a powerful element of living ecumenism. It is the presence of Jesus among the members of the community. Jesus said, ‘Where two or more are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them’ (Mt.18:20). In this magnificent church, why do we Christians not unite in this idea and so contribute to the fulfilment of Jesus’ words? Maybe we entered the church as individuals, distinct from one another but we can leave as one Christian body, ready to die for one another.”