Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) – The Bishops' Commission for Ecumenism, Relationships with Judaism, Islam, and Other Religions, of the Argentinean Bishops' Conference, presented the Pastoral Guide: “The Sacrament of Baptism in relationship to the Catholic Church with the other Churches and ecclesial communities.” The document does not present any new information, as it has all previously been mentioned in Church documents (e.g. Vatican II, Code of Canon Law, Catechism of the Catholic Church, Ecumenical Directory).
The main objective of its elaboration and publication, according to the Ecumenical Commission, is the intent to “reunite, in the most pedagogical manner possible, the content of all these documents, which make reference to Baptism and its implications, taking into account especially the daily life of our dioceses and parishes.” And all this is because “Baptism, according to the teachings of the Church, especially from the Council onwards, establishes a bond of sacramental communion among all Christians. By the same Baptism, in spite of our divisions we are brothers and sisters in Christ. This reality should be recognized and honored, and it is the starting point for the work of ecumenism.”
They also consider that this document could be helpful in forming the faithful, especially those who have a pastoral responsibility. Secondly, this text is meant to encourage the dioceses to take concrete steps towards mutual acknowledgment of Baptism with the churches and ecclesial communities present in their region. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 25/5/2009)
