Q’s from the Pews, Vol (7/9): Documents of Vatican II  (Vol 7/9) How should we relate to non-Catholic Christians? September 21, 2025  

Unitatis Redintegratio (the decree on ecumenism, UR) addresses the divisions that have developed within Christianity. UR notes that anyone validly baptized under the formula prescribed in Scripture is a Christian.  Thus, any validly baptized person is in “some manner” a member of the “Mystical Body of Christ and the Catholic Church.”  Those baptized in non-Catholic faith traditions are considered “separated brethren,” since they are not in “full communion” with the Catholic Church.   UR recognizes that “many Christian” faith traditions “present themselves as true inheritors of” Christ’s Church.  However, by going “their different ways” they have created a “division (that) openly contradicts the will of Christ.”   This division among Christians violates Christ’s will. “I pray Father that they be one as you and I are one” (Jn 17:21). UR addresses the process of the “restoration of unity among all Christians.”     

The separation from Eastern Orthodox Churches did not involve a break in apostolic succession, which is the unbroken line of succession back to the apostles, essential for valid sacraments.  Significant strides have been made toward reunification with them.  The Protestant communities are considered farther from “full communion” with the Catholic Church as they generally recognize only baptism as a sacrament and do not maintain apostolic succession as understood by Catholic teaching. UR alerts us to be guided by charity while seeking unity with our separated brethren.  Since they are fellow Christians, “the way in which we express our Catholic faith should not be an obstacle to dialogue.”   However, we are called to work to bring all Christians into unity, without watering down Catholic doctrine in the hope of a false unity. “The Catholic faith must be explained profoundly and precisely so our separated brethren understand.”