A new step together” “

“It is true that the springtime of ecumenism is over. Many dreams have not come true. Yet winter does not follow spring and neither does autumn; it is summer that comes, which brings its storms but also the slow growth and maturing of fruit. Ecumenism has entered this phase of maturity”. Cardinal Walter Kasper , president of the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity, speaking at the Oecumenische Kirchentag which was held in Berlin over the last few days (cf. Sir nos. 33, 37, 38 and 39/2003), thus commented on that event during which participants were able to “experience the universality of the Church”. A spiritual event. Each individual brought their own gifts and their own exertions to Berlin, and together the gift of unity was asked of the Holy Spirit. People sought to experience together that which they already share, such as for example the Word of God or baptism. On Sunday morning in the sunlit square in front of the Reichstag, bowls of water, the symbol of baptism, were passed from hand to hand so that each person could bless his or her neighbour and be blessed in their turn. A moment of encounter and dialogue. All sorts of people came together in Berlin: the young, the elderly, men, women, families, the handicapped, theologians, pastors and politicians, as well as representatives of other religions. Reports, debates, exhibitions, concerts and a “cineforum” took place in 600 different locations around the city, the variety of offers expressing the richness of the diversity of interests, sensibilities, responsibilities and areas of commitment in which Christians are called to operate. Identity, diversity and communion. During the days in Berlin, the question again arose as to how to reconcile unity with confessional identity. “We sought the truth. I know, we haven’t yet found the right answers but one positive thing is our having taken another step together” said Bishop Kock, president of the German Evangelical Church. It became clear that the time was not yet ripe for sharing the Eucharist, the aim which is so ardently desired. In the view of the majority, both Catholics and Evangelicals, it is not by rushing heedlessly forwards or through acts of disobedience that the way will be opened. New commitments. One of the events that had most resonance, both among participants at the Kirchentag and in the German media, was the signing of the Charta Oecumenica on the evening of Friday 30 May. Following an afternoon spent presenting the themes of the Charta, agreed in Strasbourg in 2001, the 16 leaders of the German Churches signed a declaration to accept the document and to commit themselves to its implementation at the local level. The commitments possible for German Churches are as follows: create twining with lay organisations; celebrate the Monday of Pentecost as a “Day of Unity”; strengthen collaboration in the social and charitable fields; organise Bible study meetings or discussions on theological subjects; celebrate together, at the local level, liturgies that mention the memory of baptism; pray for their sister Churches in their Sunday prayer intentions. In a moment of silence, those present were invited to write on a slip of paper their own personal commitment for the ecumenical journey. By this gesture the Charta has come like welcome rain into the German local Churches; the text has become a process and the ecumenical people, together with their pastors, have assumed the responsibility of advancing on the way towards unity. “You will be a blessing”. This was the leitmotiv of the days spent in Berlin and the duty assigned to participants in the closing celebration. Being a blessing for the new Europe is a concern felt by German Christians, who on several occasions have expressed the will that a reference to God be included in the constitutional Treaty presently being prepared. Now things will return to their everyday course, although on Sunday it seemed to be taken for granted that people would meet again for a second Kirchentag.