It is ironic that Pope Benedict's first Tweet in Latin was about Christian unity when he himself had publicized a Vatican document that resulted in discord – rather than unity – among his fellow Christians!

On 7 September 2000, the local media reported: “Religious leaders and theologians reacted with dismay and disdain to a Vatican document (presented by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger) which rejected the concept that other religions could be considered equal to Roman Catholicism. There was general concern that the complex theological document could hurt decades of inter-religious dialogue...”

The bitterness appeared to be felt most by other Christian religions, which the document implied were second-rate because of ‘defects’, including their refusal to recognise papal primacy.

“The Archbishop of Canterbury rejected the Vatican’s contention as unacceptable, saying it appeared to question efforts to cement closer ties among various branches of Christianity...

“There was also ecumenical dismay in Germany where evangelical Churches felt slighted...This will not help discussions between the two Churches,” said Manfred Kock, chairman of the council of the Evangelical Church of Germany.”

John Guillaumier

ST JULIAN’S