- The Early Stages: Pre-1910
- Laying the Foundations: 1910–1948
- Pivotal Years: 1948–1965
- Intense Activity: 1965–1990
- Consolidation and Challenge: 1990—Present
- Orthodox
- Anglican
- Methodist
- Catholic
- Lutheran
- Reformed
- Baptist
- Pentecostal and Charismatic
- Christology
- Church
- Baptism
- Eucharist
- Ministry
- Liturgy
- Justification
- Morals
- Mission and Evangelism
- Ecology
- Faith and Order
- World Council of Churches
- Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity
- Bilateral Dialogues
- Chevetogne, Taizé, and the Groupe des Dombes
- Pro Oriente
- United and Uniting Churches
- Regional and National Councils of Churches
- Covenants
- Interchurch Families
- Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
- Global Christian Forum
- Britain and Ireland
- United States of America
- Africa
- Asia
- Latin America
- The Middle East
- Europe
- Unity in Reconciled Diversity
- The Unity We Seek
- What Model of Full Communion?
- In Search of a Way
- Method in Ecumenism
- Kenotic Ecumenism
Abstract and Keywords
This chapter discusses the origin and work of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (PCPCU) as the major instrument of the Holy See for ecumenical matters. Established in 1960, it was first an instrument of the Second Vatican Council, assisting the Council especially, but not exclusively, in decisions relating to ecumenism and inter-religious matters. Constituted part of the Roman Curia after Vatican II, it has continued in light of the Council’s Decree on Ecumenism to promote the goal of Christian unity by engaging in ecumenical dialogue and collaboration with other Christians and ecumenical organizations, by advancing ecumenical formation and education within the Catholic Church, and by cultivating, with ecumenical partners, the reception of achievements resulting from dialogue. Related to the PCPCU, though with different goals, is the Holy See’s Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews, tasked with implementing Vatican II’s decree, Nostra Aetate, n. 4.
Keywords: Second Vatican Council, pontifical council, Christian unity, Vatican II, Decree on Ecumenism, ecumenical, dialogue, formation, reception, Nostra Aetate
John A. Radano is Adjunct Professor in the School of Theology, Seton Hall University, New Jersey, USA. He previously served in the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity from 1984 to 2008, and was head of its Western section from 1986.
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- The Early Stages: Pre-1910
- Laying the Foundations: 1910–1948
- Pivotal Years: 1948–1965
- Intense Activity: 1965–1990
- Consolidation and Challenge: 1990—Present
- Orthodox
- Anglican
- Methodist
- Catholic
- Lutheran
- Reformed
- Baptist
- Pentecostal and Charismatic
- Christology
- Church
- Baptism
- Eucharist
- Ministry
- Liturgy
- Justification
- Morals
- Mission and Evangelism
- Ecology
- Faith and Order
- World Council of Churches
- Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity
- Bilateral Dialogues
- Chevetogne, Taizé, and the Groupe des Dombes
- Pro Oriente
- United and Uniting Churches
- Regional and National Councils of Churches
- Covenants
- Interchurch Families
- Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
- Global Christian Forum
- Britain and Ireland
- United States of America
- Africa
- Asia
- Latin America
- The Middle East
- Europe
- Unity in Reconciled Diversity
- The Unity We Seek
- What Model of Full Communion?
- In Search of a Way
- Method in Ecumenism
- Kenotic Ecumenism