July 13, 2007

Catholic, Disciples of Christ dialogue explores relationship of Word, sacrament

ST. LOUIS—The International Commission for Dialogue between the Disciples of Christ and the Roman Catholic Church held its fourth meeting in the fourth phase of its dialogue at the Pallottine Renewal Center in St. Louis on June 24-28. Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein, co-chair of the commission, was among the participants.

The focus of this session was “the Relation between Word and Sacrament in the Church, with special reference to the Eucharist.”

Father Gosbert Byamungu, of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity in Rome, led a Bible study, “Walking Home with a Stranger: the Riddle of Emmaus”

(Lk 24:13-35).

Two major theological papers were presented on the theme of “Word and Sacrament” by Dr. Robert Louis Wilken, a Catholic who is a professor at the University of Virginia, and by the Rev. Dr. David M. Thompson, a Disciples of Christ member who is a professor at Fitzwilliam College in Cambridge, England.

From its discussion, the commission identified several points of clarification and areas of common ground as well as noting issues where there is still disagreement and topics needing further exploration.

Commission members said they view the group’s work as a contribution toward realizing the dialogue’s

long-range goal of full visible unity in one faith, one eucharistic fellowship and common life in Christ.

Dr. William Tabbernee, a Disciples of Christ member and co-chair of the commission, affirmed that “an important component of each of our dialogue sessions is the time we spend together in daily worship and prayer. In those moments, we are reminded that the unity we seek is finally a gift of the Holy Spirit.”

The Commission’s next session will take place in June 2008. The topic will be “The Priesthood of Christ in Church and Ministry.”

In commenting on the choice of the theme for the next session, Archbishop Buechlein said, “This theme should help us further develop our understanding of Christ’s presence in the Church, especially in the Eucharist.” †

Local site Links: