The Vatican published a book summarizing nearly 60 years of theological dialogue between Catholics and Methodists. The publication, titled “We Believe in One God: 60 Years of Methodists and Catholics Walking Together,” is based on 11 reports from the Methodist-Roman Catholic International Commission. The dialogue, which formally began in 1967, has covered topics including baptism, holiness, Scripture and tradition, and the Eucharist. The book outlines areas where the two traditions have reached agreement and briefly notes issues still under discussion.
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The Vatican has released a book titled “We Believe in One God: 60 Years of Methodists and Catholics Walking Together,” summarizing nearly six decades of theological dialogue between Catholics and Methodists.1
This publication, issued by the Libreria Editrice Vaticana, draws from 11 reports produced by the Methodist-Roman Catholic International Commission since its inception in 1967.1
The dialogue began formally in 1967, exploring core Christian doctrines and practices to foster unity.1
It aligns with broader ecumenical efforts, coinciding with the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which sought early Christian consensus on faith in the Triune God.1
The reports highlight consensus on topics like baptism, holiness, Scripture and tradition, the Eucharist, the church's nature and mission, and the pursuit of visible communion.1
A notable convergence exists on the Eucharist, where Methodists increasingly view the Lord’s Table as essential to full Christian worship, while Catholics emphasize the vital role of preaching the Word.1
Despite progress, issues such as the ordination of women, same-sex marriage, contraception, and abortion remain unresolved and require deeper study for consensus.1
The book presents these thoughtfully, underscoring the need for continued dialogue to bridge differences.1
Co-chairs Rev. Edgardo A. Colón-Emeric and Archbishop Shane Mackinlay note that while leaders have welcomed the reports, their content is largely unknown among ordinary Catholics and Methodists.1
Intended as a gift to all churches, the publication encourages reflection on faith and the next steps toward unity amid contemporary ecumenical goals.1
Analyze Catholic-Methodist dialogue for doctrinal convergence
The dialogue between the Catholic Church and Methodist communities represents a significant chapter in the broader ecumenical movement, initiated in the spirit of the Second Vatican Council's Decree on Ecumenism. Beginning in the late 1960s, this conversation has evolved over nearly six decades, marked by mutual respect, shared spiritual heritage, and a commitment to overcoming historical divisions. Pope Francis highlighted this progress in his 2024 address to the World Methodist Council delegation, noting that "for almost sixty years, we have been progressing together in reciprocal knowledge, understanding and, above all, love," which has deepened mutual communion. This journey started amid the post-conciliar fervor, with early encounters emphasizing the Holy Spirit's role in fostering reconciliation among Christ's followers.
From its inception, the dialogue has been anchored in recognized affinities between Catholic and Methodist traditions. Pope John Paul II, in his 1980 speech to the Joint International Commission, praised the "deep affinities" observed by Methodist observers at Vatican II, particularly the parallel emphasis on personal holiness—evident in the Wesleys' preaching and Catholic spiritual giants. This shared focus on holiness as a path to Christ provided a foundation for addressing doctrinal differences with "serenity, good will and charity." By 1992, marking the 25th anniversary of the international dialogue, John Paul II reflected on its "evident fruits," carried out with "patience and dedication" by the Catholic-Methodist International Commission. These efforts have not shied away from thorny issues but have integrated them into broader discussions on contemporary Christian challenges, such as proclaiming the Gospel in a changing world and navigating moral conscience.
Key milestones include the establishment of the Methodist-Roman Catholic International Commission, which produced foundational documents like "Towards a Statement on the Church" in 1986 and the more recent "God in Christ Reconciling" in 2022. These reports underscore the dialogue's progression from exploratory conversations to substantive theological engagements. Pope Paul VI's 1970 address to a Methodist group early in this process invoked Vatican II's call for "interior conversion" as essential to true ecumenism, setting a tone of humility and hope for unity. Over time, papal interventions have consistently renewed this commitment, viewing the dialogue as obedience to Christ's prayer "that they may all be one."
The Catholic-Methodist dialogue has yielded notable convergences in several doctrinal areas, reflecting a growing consensus on core elements of Christian faith and life. Central to this is the shared emphasis on holiness and sanctification, which John Paul II described in 1992 as an "ardour for holiness" integral to both traditions and essential for Christian mission. This convergence aligns with Vatican II's teaching that striving for holiness fosters unity: "the more Christians strive to live holier lives according to the Gospel, the better will they be able to further the unity of Christians and put it into practice." Methodism's Wesleyan heritage of personal piety resonates with Catholic doctrines on grace and moral transformation, allowing participants to affirm holiness as a gift of God received in baptism and nurtured in the Church.
Another pivotal area is the understanding of revelation and faith. The 1999 report "Revelation and Faith," discussed in John Paul II's address to the Methodist Conference President, draws on 1 John 1:1-2 to portray the Word of Life as the unifying force: "It is the Word himself who draws us into unity. It is only in hearing and seeing Jesus that we will find strength to bear common witness to the eternal life which the Father has given us in the Son." This document highlights agreement on the manifestation of Christ as the source of faith, bridging Methodist experiential emphases with Catholic sacramental views. The dialogue thus promotes a common proclamation of the Gospel, where doctrinal differences are contextualized within this shared testimony.
Ecclesiology—the nature of the Church—has seen substantial progress, as evidenced by the 1986 statement "Towards a Statement on the Church." Popes have repeatedly affirmed the "real though imperfect communion" existing through baptism, which "constitutes the sacramental bond of unity existing among all who through it are reborn." This bond extends to a common faith in Jesus Christ as the sole Mediator (1 Tim 2:5-6) and Head of the Church. John Paul II's 1993 address to ecumenical commissions noted advancements in agreeing on the Church's nature, sacraments (especially the Eucharist), and ministry, building on Vatican II's ecclesiological renewal. The 2022 report "God in Christ Reconciling" further explores reconciliation as a divine initiative, converging on themes of the Church as a reconciling community.
The upcoming 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, mentioned by Pope Francis in 2024, underscores a foundational convergence: the shared Nicene faith in the Trinity and Christ's divinity. This "same faith" imposes a joint responsibility to offer "signs of hope that bear witness to God’s presence in the world," summoning all to visible unity. Such agreement on apostolic faith aligns with broader ecumenical studies, like those of the World Council of Churches' Faith and Order Commission, which seek a "common expression of the apostolic faith today."
Despite these convergences, challenges persist, particularly in areas like authority, sacraments, and the full implications of ecclesial communion. The dialogue has confronted the "legacy of the sad history of modern Christian division," including doctrinal thorny questions, without impatience. Pope Francis emphasizes that reconciliation is "a task of the heart rather than the mind," transformed by Christ's Heart, allowing communities to unite "differing minds and wills" under the Spirit's guidance. This relational approach, inspired by the Holy Spirit as "the supreme source of this unity," counters skepticism and sustains progress.
John Paul II's addresses stress that efforts toward unity are "a sign of the work of reconciliation which God is bringing about," requiring openness to the Spirit who "guides us into all truth." Practical cooperation—praying together, charitable works, and local witness—complements theological dialogue, as urged in multilateral contexts. The Catholic Church encourages ongoing work by the International Joint Commission, viewing it as vital for responding to Christ's prayer for unity.
In conclusion, the Catholic-Methodist dialogue demonstrates profound doctrinal convergence in holiness, revelation, ecclesiology, and apostolic faith, grounded in baptismal communion and the Holy Spirit's action. These achievements, spanning from Vatican II to recent papal encouragements, affirm ecumenism's fruits while calling for continued heart-centered journeying toward full visible unity. As John Paul II invoked, may the risen Lord's joy and peace sustain this shared witness to eternal life.