Pope Francis receives the Commission between the Catholic Church and the Disciples of Christ

30 Jun 2023

On June 28, the Holy Father received in audience the International Commission for Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Disciples of Christ during their meeting in Rome.

In his address, Revd Paul Tché, Secretary General of the Disciples Ecumenical Consultative Council and Co-secretary of the Dialogue, recalled that the dialogue began 45 years ago and said, "We have explored our differences, both theological and practical, in a positive way, that is, without the assumption that these differences should remain a source of continued division."

In his address, the Holy Father spoke of the Holy Spirit as memory and guide, protagonist for the mission, and source of youthfulness for the Church. He also insisted, "Dear brothers and sisters, a gaze of faith knows how to recognize, in life and in reality, the presence and the sowing of the Holy Spirit, how to see His work even beyond the boundaries of our communities. If we are docile to Him, He will know how to harmonize even what seems difficult to us to reconcile, because He is in Himself harmony...Christian unity is achieved by walking together. Theologians are certainly necessary, let them study, let them speak, let them discuss; but, in the meantime, we walk, praying together and doing works of charity. For me, this is the path that does not disappoint!"