Perspectief 2014-25

Perspectief 10 Communion in Taizé Thus the relevance of this research is in the first place to be understood as ecclesiastical. The interdenominational relations are to be examined and will be the first to benefit from an accurate description and evaluation. However, the relevance of Christianity as such is not only to be found within the Christian community itself, but also in society at large. Therefore, the improvement of Christian unity with the Church's mission in mind also affect the society Christians are part of. Some of the biggest objections and challenges in ecumenism rise in the field of Eucharistic theology and practice. Especially there the theological and canonical terms Kasper refers to are applicable. This research therefore is centered around Taizé’s Eucharistic practice. It will take the dual perspectives of systematic theology and ecclesial law, being two sides of the same coin, as ways to interpret the practice. Law specialist Ladislas Örsy demonstrates the close connection between the two by stating that “the relationship between theology and canon law can be best summarized by saying that in theology the Church contemplative is speaking to the people, and in canon law the Church active is guiding the faithful. (...) The two operations blend into one but without losing their distinctive characters: they mutually support each other. They together reveal something of the internal life of God's covenanted community.” 4 An adequate Catholic reflection on the ecumenical practice of Taizé therefore needs the double perspective of theology and law. In this research, I take this double perspective of theology and law to interpret the practice by answering the question: “How can the Eucharistic practice of Taizé as an ecumenical event be interpreted from the viewpoints of present-day Catholic ecclesial law and systematic theology?” I will take three steps. The first step is to describe the Taizé practice involving Eucharist and communion in chapter 2. This description is based on literature and my own observations in Taizé. The second step, performed in chapter 3, is to position the encountered practice in the current legal framework of the Catholic Church. The third step, in chapter 4, is to reflect on the present situation from Catholic systematic theology, represented by Cardinal Kurt Koch. This reflection is reciprocal; it includes a reflection of the practice of Taizé and some of its underlying theological and spiritual 4 Örsy S.J., Ladislas M., ‘Theology and Canon Law’, in Beal, John P. (e.a., eds.) New commentary on the Code of Canon Law (Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press 2000), 9.