What is the Catholic approach to ecumenism and non-Catholic Christians?
Ecumenism is the Holy Spirit-inspired movement toward restoring full visible unity among all baptized Christians, in accordance with Christ's prayer 'that they may all be one' (John 17:21). The Second Vatican Council affirmed that non-Catholic Christians are real brothers and sisters in Christ through Baptism, sharing many elements of sanctification and truth (such as Sacred Scripture, grace, faith, and the gifts of the Spirit). True ecumenism requires spiritual conversion, prayer, fraternal dialogue, and common charitable action, while faithfully upholding the fullness of Catholic truth.
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 817-822
- John 17:20-23
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