Theo 245 / Theo 345
INTRODUCTION TO ECUMENISM
IN ASIAN CONTEXT (3 units)
Fernando Guillen, Sch.P
Th 2:00 – 5:00 pm

This course intends to give a brief synthesis of the Ecumenical Movement, and a complete explanation of Ecumenism according to Vatican II and following documents. Moreover, we try to introduce the history of the ecumenical attempts in Asian countries, difficulties and attainments, and the new panorama because of the foundation of so many new Christian denominations. Special attention will be given to the present situation in the Philippines since the presence of other Christian Churches during the American period.

Vatican II, Unitatis redintegration; Pontifical Counsel for the Unity of Christians, Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism; John Paul II. Ut unum sint.

N. Lossky (editor), Dictionary of Ecumenical Movement, Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, 1991; Yap Him Kao (et al.) “Ecumenical Movement” in Scott W. Sunquist (editor), A Dictionary of Asian Christianity, Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, 2001, p. 258-265.

The Ecumenical Review, World Council of the Churches (WCC, Journal of Ecumenical Studies, Temple University, Philadelphia)

The teacher will present the general context and the life of the Pope. Every student will discuss one document or one concrete event of his pontificate in relation with the Asian Churches, and later submit an academic paper on it.

The writings of Paul VI, in the original language, are available in Acta Apostolicae Sedis (1963-1978), and their English translations are in the Vatican internet site.

Bibliography: Hebblewaite, P. Paul VI: The First Modern Pope. New York, 1993; Manathodath, J. Culture, Dialogue and the Church: A Study of the Inculturation of the Local Churches according to the Teaching of Pope Paul VI. New Delhi, 1990.