Реферат: Catholic

The Document adopted in Balamand, Lebanon, is of three parts, namely :

Introduction, Ecclesiological Principles, and Practical Rules. Already the

Introduction, referring to the texts worked out in Freising and in Ariccia, underlines

that “we reject it (uniatism) as method for the search for unity because it is

opposed to the common tradition of our Churches” (par.2) Under the

Ecclesiological Principles the Document analyses theological teachings which

have generated proselytism and Unia as methods of bringing back to the Church her

“fallen-off” members. According to the Balamand Document, today’s vision of each

other by the Orthodox and Catholics is based on the concept of “sister Churches”.

This term was introduced in early 60s by the Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoros;

later it found its way into the documents of Vatican II (Constitution “On

Ecumenism”).

At the same time, par.15 underlines, that “While the inviolable freedom of

persons and their obligation to follow the requirements of their conscience

remain secure, in the search for re-establishing unity there is no question of

conversion of people from one Church to the other in order to ensure their

salvation”. In this regard, the document reminds of the joint statement issued by

Pope John Paul II and the Ecumenical Patriarch Demetrios I on December 7, 1987,

which, among other things said : “We reject any form of proselytism, any position

which could be suggestive of non-respect.”

Under the Practical Rules the document points out, that “Religious liberty

requires that, particularly in situations of conflict, the faithful are able to express

their opinion and to decide without pressure from outside if they wish to be in

communion either with the Orthodox Church or with the Catholic Church. Religious

freedom would be violated when, under the cover of financial assistance, the

faithful of one Church would be attracted to the other, by promises, for example, of

education and material benefits that may be lacking in their own Church. In this

context, it will be necessary that social assistance, as well as every form of

philanthropic activity to be organized with common agreement so as to avoid