Is Ecumenism a Waste of Time?

My experience has often been that ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue is a waste of time. But it doesn't have to be.

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[nonameronin]

Speaking as someone who is not a Roman Catholic, the attitude toward ecumenism outlined in this video is exactly why I follow this channel. Thank you Fr. Casey!

[annzwarych]

Thought provoking indeed and as the protestant in the room I completely agree with you 100% well said

[fortunadozukushi]

Ecumenism gone wrong looks like this: You and everyone else are sitting at the bottom of a well, but everyone else has missing limbs while you have all four. But instead of climbing out the well and grabbing a rope you decide to saw your legs off to be like everyone else. That is not what you should do, use your experiences to minister to those around you, regardless of denomination, faith, or culture.

[crafterman]

I am protestant but I 100% agree. I was at an ecumenical thanksgiving service and it was just "let's be good and hope for good"

like bruh

why

what's the point?

[stephrad]

This reminded of a train trip I took while in Iran, from Tehran to Shiraz. My compartment mate and I got into a discussion about his faith and my faith. One a Catholic/Christian and the other a Shi'ite/Muslim. I learned how we actually both had a few commonalities in how we practiced our faith and the personal relationship we have with God. There were differences, sure. But it's the openness, revealing our own personal issues we have about the doctrines of our faith, and how we pray that we came to form a deep spiritual bond. The best way to describe it was that I felt that we were in communion with each through our belief in God, the same communion I have with my fellow Catholic brothers and sisters. The respect was there and in no way did we compromise on our expressions of our faiths. Rather we learnt from each other, eg I came to realise that I could be braver in approaching my local priests and discussing areas troubling me about what the church teaches or practices.

[maryamal]

So True Fr. Cassey, we need to let others know about our beautiful faith, our teachings .. Im proud to be Catholic and I had been asked by two muslims, that celebrated Christmas mass with me, because they wanted to know about Christmas mass celebration and how we pray, They both were amazed and kept praising the church, how peaceful catholic priest just explaining what he read in bible, without preaching anything bad about no other religion . Simple the meaning of what he read on bible ..

[Grumpyn]

I was so happy to hear this. I was very nervous when I clicked and I was totally prepared to leave frustrated and sad. Stand firm, Father. I love you, and I thank you.

[dianeuecker]

Honestly I feel that a lot of Protatant church's are way more concerned with entertaining themselves than actually praising God.

[Rytchord]

The point may be to resolve a social issue. 30 years ago as a pastor in a store front mission, I teamed with a rabbi and an Iman, to provide school clothes and supplies. Did we pray yes each to our own. Yet we were all children of Abraham . Bishop Hubbard visited and lent support as many of the youth we helped were diocesan students. That is the point.

[bouseuxlatache]

we do have respect for other people. however we need to be honest: only the blood of Christ saves. He is the Way, the Truth and Life. i want to talk about God to convert hearts to His beauty.

[nathanchurchill]

Father Casey I hope we one day see what books you own and know your favorites and recommendations. I’d love to see it. ❤️

[johnrobinson]

Imagine a Mormon or Scientologist joining such a meeting: they would have to avoid all kinds of things that are central to ONLY their 'faith'.

[justinjustinjustin]

Dialogue is important. Dialogue that goes nowhere and repeats the same old stuff is a waste of time.

[irodjetson]

Be a sharp catholic, be as catholic as possible, follow the tradition of the church, follow the magisterium, avoid sins, and then interact with the world, evangelization will happen naturally, because people will see truth in you, be a saint, desire to be a true catholic saint. Saint Francis made the Muslim leader convert to the one true faith, never forget that's how that story ended...

[ContendingEarnestly]

The bible never teaches ecumenism. It teaches that the gospel is to be preached to the lost....that whole great commission thing. He talked about learning from muslims or buddhists and sort of stopped there. I want to learn about other faiths so i can share the gospel and hopefully see them come to a saving relationship with Jesus. Our learning has to have a goal other than simply knowing about someone elses faith. Muslims need Jesus as do buddhists. No, ecumenism isn't the answer, the great commission is.

[andreag]

This is the first time I agree with everything that you said Fr. Casey. We do not evolve if we agree on everything, it is by learning the differences and understanding we grow.

[janesibidol]

How peaceful it is with what you have shared Father. Lets pray more towards this goal.

[BoundyMan]

I'm a Seventh Day Adventist and I enjoy watching your videos. It gives me a better understanding of your Christian faith and show the similarities and differences between mine.

[nightside]

Thoughtful and insightful, as always. As a practitioner of a different faith, I watch your videos for many of the reasons you discussed here - learning about different perspectives is essential to growth and development. I can say that your commentary has expanded not only my understanding of Catholic doctrine, but has also helped me to better define my own views.

Thank you for your content; please keep up the good work.

[steve.lichtenwald]

The accompanying music was more rhythmic
than I would've ever expected from a Franciscan;
I may have sinned just thinking of busting a move!