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[CAROL_FOUKE.parti@ecunet.org (CAROL FOUKE)]

National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA
Contact: NCC News, 212-870-2227
Email: news@ncccusa.org  Web: www.ncccusa.org

29NCC3/16/99 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NCC, VATICAN EXCHANGE CORRESPONDENCE ON ECUMENISM

 NEW YORK CITY - An exchange of correspondence between 
the National Council of Churches Faith and Order Commission 
and the Vatican on the subject of the papal encyclical on 
ecumenism has served to further strengthen an ongoing and 
cordial relationship.

 Last fall, the Faith and Order Commission made a formal 
response to the papal encyclical, "Ut Unum Sint" ("On 
Ecumenism").  This response welcomed the encyclical as "a 
new expression of the commitment of the Roman Catholic 
Church to ecumenism," coming "at a time of fragility within 
the ecumenical movement itself."

 In thanking the NCC for its response, Edward Cardinal 
Cassidy, the Roman Catholic Church's top official for 
ecumenical relations, noted "the very positive tone in which 
the views of the Commissioners are stated."  

He continued, "We are, of course, well aware of the 
importance of Faith and Order work whether on the 
international or national levels.  Indeed, as you know, the 
Holy Father has given considerable support to Faith and 
Order, not just in the encyclical, but on various occasions, 
over many years.  We have come to expect positive results 
from the multilateral dialogue of Faith and Order."

The Cardinal's letter concluded by extending "the 
prayers of this Pontifical Council" and "its readiness to 
cooperate in Faith and Order activity now and in the 
future."

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