222 PART TWO: AN EMPIRICAL ACCOUNT BE clearly experiences his participation in the lives of both denominations and, in particular, the practice of receiving Eucharistic hospitality as acknowledgment that both denominations are part of the one church. In the background, again, the paradigm shift towards prioritizing Baptismal identity plays a role. The different churches are, thus, historical manifestations of this church. One can belong to two or more churches at once in concrete and tangible ways. The interviews with Brother BE show how the principle of double belonging can take shape in the life of a Christian. In fact, BE participates in the sacramental life of two traditions and, as such, he belongs to both. However, the interviews also show that it is a challenge to maintain both modes of belonging in concrete and meaningful ways and to balance them out. This is an issue that could benefit from further reflection. For now, it suffices to ascertain that such factual double belonging exists and, secondly, to entertain the questions that it sparks. The communities face the challenge to maintain (or to restore) tangible andmeaningful relations with all churches involved, while the churches are challenged by this reality to facilitate possibilities for living such a double belonging – provided that they can accept it as a concept theologically. I think that this truly is a challenge for the Roman Catholic Church and one that it must face, not only with regard to these particular exceptional cases, but also more generally for the future of the ecumenical process. 7.4 WHAT DOES COMMUNION MEAN? The previous section analyzed Brother BE’s experiences at the receiving end of Eucharistic hospitality in Bose in relation to his desire for communion with the Roman Catholic Church. He told me about the structural way in which Bose’s practice accommodates his desire to belong to both the Catholic and Reformed traditions. In response, I asked him if he experiences his connection with the Roman Catholic Church as full communion. His answer surprised me: FW: So, do you feel in communion with the Roman Catholic Church right now? BE: …What does it mean? {laughs} … ….496 Methodologically, I think I could have responded more adequately than I did. Instead of inviting Brother BE to elaborate on this question, I recited the 496 BE-2,37-38.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTk4NDMw