This study analyzes the responses of Roman Catholic Church and Reformed Churches on Baptism, Eucharist, and Ministry that were published by the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches in 1982. This study briefly examines the cha...
This study analyzes the responses of Roman Catholic Church and Reformed Churches on Baptism, Eucharist, and Ministry that were published by the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches in 1982. This study briefly examines the character and content of the BE M1 document, especially on the Eucharist Text. This is because the Eucharist has been one of the most delicate and divisive problems from the Reformation until now. Then, it concentrates on the official responses of Reformed and Roman Catholic Church regarding the Eucharist Text of BE M. In this section, it discloses points of agreement and areas of disagreement. Finally, this study rethinks the task as well as the necessity of ecumenical dialogues.
The Eucharist is an important part of the common ground of Christian faith and a symbol of Christian unity. Historically, however, the Eucharist has been a major hindrance to Christian unity. Many controversies have arisen with regard to the Eucharist since the Reformation period, and the gap of understanding about the Eucharist persists even today. The BE M document, which was published through a long time discussion between many denominations, is one of precious fruits of modern ecumenical movements. Nevertheless, a considerable difference between the Reformed and Catholic still exists. This study shows the significance as well as the possibility of ecumenical dialogues in our century.