ecumenism" "
“The research of Paul Ricoeur shows how fruitful is the relation between philosophy and theology, between faith and culture”. So said John Paul II, on honouring the ninety-year-old philosopher of Reformed faith with the international “Paul VI” Prize on 5 July. The award is given every five years to a personality or institution that has distinguished itself in the field of culture of religious inspiration. Ricoeur, continued the Pope, “is also known for the generous contribution he has made to ecumenical dialogue between the Catholic and Reformed Churches”. “The decision of the Paul VI Institute to honour a philosopher and at the same time a man of faith thus appears particularly appropriate”, said John Paul II. Ricoeur was also awarded a sum of 100,000 euros, which by his own decision will be devolved to the “Fondation John Bost”, a French charitable trust founded in 1848; it is currently providing care to over a thousand disabled persons, elderly people no longer able to look after themselves and social misfits. “Philosopher of research, listening and dialogue”: Ricoeur’s resemblance to Paul VI is considerable, “if one thinks of the importance attached by both to dialogue and listening”, said the philosopher Georges Cottier. “Many Catholic institutions added Charles Morerod make reference to the thought of Paul Ricoeur: a sign that there is a strong component of ecumenism in it. What are its merits? Opening the doors of philosophy to the Bible and giving proof of total openness of mind”. Urged to intervene also on themes of intergenerational dialogue, Ricoeur has declared: “Today the new generations show growing intolerance of injustice and inequality. This is their greatest virtue: the indignation aroused in them by a society that preaches equality of rights, but at the same time multiplies wealth for the few and forms of inequality”.
