CHAPTER 10: IMPLICATIONS II 265 10.4 GENERAL ECUMENICAL STRATEGY: EXAMPLES OF RECEPTIVE ECUMENISM Implication Taizé and Bose offer concrete, tangible, and grassroots examples of receptive ecumenism (often avant la lettre). The Roman Catholic Church can learn from them about the implementation of this promising strategy towards a more perfect unity. In the communities, learning is not only done cognitively, but even more so in a participatory sense and by engaging in the exchange of gifts that are so fundamental to spiritual ecumenism. The monastics do this in a critical yet faithful manner and with great openness to ‘creative integrity.’ Observations The monastics speak of some preconditions or fundamental principles that attracted them to these communities and that they believe play key roles in their ecumenical process. They mention the exchange of gifts (especially in sharing the Eucharist), an open and receptive attitude with a keen eye for the riches of other traditions and the flaws of one’s own, the willingness to learn from this dynamic, and the focus on concrete but imperfect provisional solutions to the pressing problems of an ecumenical common life. In contrast to what some might think, the practice of Eucharistic hospitality does not offer the monastics an unproblematic shortcut towards full unity. The interviewees experience their situation as complicated and highly problematic. Still, to them, it is the only way forward as it deepens the ecumenical process spiritually. Taizé and Bose focus predominantly on learning rather than teaching, especially when it comes to Eucharistic sharing. The interviews depict a process of continuous individual and communal growth. Even though they do regard their practice of Eucharistic hospitality as indispensable for their own ecumenical process, they are very reluctant to impose their practice or conviction onto anyone else. Instead, they integrate the ‘gifts’ of all represented traditions in their lives (albeit in different ways in Taizé and Bose), trying to live them well. In this way, the monastics focus on their own change, conversion, and growth. They agree that ‘simply’ exercising this ecumenical strategy is their main purpose. At the same time, however, they also express their belief that this passive, humble, and self-critical way of practicing the exchange of gifts, including Eucharistic hospitality, is a sign for the churches and the ecumenical movement.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTk4NDMw