Extra ET-Newsletter of the European Society for Catholic Theology

We, Catholic theologians from 20 countries, gathered together in Ghent for a meeting of the Curatorium (Board) of the European Society for Catholic Theology, are deeply concerned by the current crisis within the Church. We are especially worried that the unconditional lifting of the excommunication of four bishops of the Society of Saint Pius X threatens the internal unity of the Church and the credibility of its witness in the world (Gaudium et spes). This considerably weakens the ability of theologians to dialogue with other disciplines in the academy.

Fundamental issues are at stake with regard to the reception of the Second Vatican Council and must be clearly reaffirmed:

The dynamic character of revelation and tradition, Church teaching and liturgy (Dei verbum, Sacrosanctum concilium)
The collegial exercise of Church governance (Lumen gentium)
Full respect for the freedom of conscience and the freedom of religion (Dignitatis humanae)
The active commitment to ecumenical and interreligious dialogue (Unitatis redintegratio, Nostra aetate)
Members of other Christian Churches, with whom we have been in dialogue for several decades, now question whether the Catholic Church will take concrete steps toward fuller communion. Recent events demonstrate that a great majority of Christians have lost confidence that Rome is committed to taking seriously the newness of Vatican II. This crisis of confidence is grave.

As Catholic theologians working in the service of the Church, we hope that every effort will be undertaken to restore confidence in order that the gospel of Jesus Christ may be proclaimed.

Ghent, 15th February 2009.