Perspectief 2014-25

2014-25 Introduction 9 Reageer completely new, it was difficult to express and to understand. It was easy to misinterpret.” 1 1.2 Introduction of the research Journalist Sandro Magister paraphrases Cardinal Kasper on the topic of brother Roger’s relation to the Catholic Church: “According to Kasper, it is as if there had been an unwritten agreement between Schutz and the Church of Rome, ‘crossing certain confessional’ and canonical limits.” 2 Cardinal Walter Kasper himself said about brother Roger’s relation with the Catholic Church: “The meaning of some theological or canonical terms could be discussed endlessly. Out of respect for the faith-journey of Brother Roger, however, it would be preferable not to apply to him categories which he himself considered inappropriate for his experience and which, moreover, the Catholic Church never wanted to impose upon him.” 3 Although from a spiritual viewpoint Kasper’s appeal is certainly valuable, from academic perspective and ecumenical theory the problems concerning these theological and canonical categories and terms are especially interesting and relevant. The study of the practice of Taizé from these perspectives can clarify in what way Catholic theology and law have found or created space for such a far-reaching ecumenical practice. Literature on Taizé is mostly spiritual in nature. Systemat ic reflection on the practice is not yet available. With this thesis I want to start this reflection. By doing so, I hope to contribute to a correct interpretation of brother Roger's new ecumenical way and its significance for the ecumenical process. 1 Guenois, Jean-Marie, ‘Something that was without precedent’ (Taizé website: 12 April 2008: http://www.taize.fr/en_article6739.html ) [English translation of the article in French: Guenois, Jean- Marie, ‘Frère Roger ne s’est pas “converti”’ (La Croix website : http://www.la- croix.com/Religion/Actualite/Frere-Roger-ne-s-est-pas-converti-_NG_-2006-09-06-516310 : 7 September 2006) [21 March 2014]. 2 Magister, Sandro, ‘Was the Founder of Taizé Protestant, or Catholic? A Cardinal Solves the Riddle’ (website of L’Espresso journalist Sandro Magister: http://chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/articolo/206302?eng=y : 25 august 2008) [03 March 2014]. 3 Magister, ‘Was the founder of Taizé Protestant, or Catholic?’.