Perspectief 2014-25

2014-25 Theological reflection 31 Reageer indiferentism with regard to visible division in structure and liturgical life is unacceptable for communion ecclesiology, as expressed by Koch. Returning now to the double principle of expression and realization of unity through the Eucharist, a remark on the presupposition encountered in canon law is appropriate. According to canon law full visible communion is required in order to share Eucharistic communion, as can be concluded from canon 844, c.f. paragraph 3.1.1. Likewise, the ‘Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism’ of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity states: “Eucharistic communion is inseparably linked to full ecclesial communion and its visible expression.” 10 Koch supports this requirement by stating that “because for the Roman Catholic Church the intrinsic relationship of eucharist and church is fundamental, she holds fast - like the majority of Christian churches - to the principle of the indissoluble unity of ecclesial communion and eucharistic communion.” 11 The ecclesial communion Koch speaks about is in this statement not the ontological communion established through the Eucharist, but the visible unity. This is one reason for the Catholic Church to stress the visible unity as a precondition for Eucharistic sharing. In the context of the current developments in the ecumenical process this is understandable. According to Koch, many partners in the ecumenical dialogue are no longer interested in establishing visible unity in one ecclesiastical structure, but only in Eucharistic intercommunion. The fear of indifferentism or accepted pluralism keeps Catholic theology from taking steps in that direction. The conclusion so far, shared by Koch, is that “the shared Supper belongs as a whole at the end and not at the beginning of ecumenical endeavours.” 12 10 Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity, ‘Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism’ (Vatican website: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/chrstuni/documents/rc_pc_chrstuni_doc_2 5031993_principles-and-norms-on-ecumenism_en.html 25 March 1993) [14 june 2014], 129. 11 Koch, ‘The Relation’, 9. 12 Cardinal Karl Lehmann quoted in Koch, ‘The Relation’, 9.