Doctrine
Often, our divisions have been caused by disagreements about doctrine.
Disagreements on subjects such as:
- how to describe God, the Holy Trinity
- the work of the Holy Spirit
- the effect and the practice of the Sacraments
- questions of authority and structure in the Church
- the means of justification and salvation
- interpretation of the Bible
- the role of Mary and the Saints
Misunderstanding
Often, our divisions have been caused by misunderstandings.
Misunderstandings caused:
- by our different languages
- by our different cultures
- by our different styles of government
- by our attempts to describe things that are beyond description
- by our attempts to explain things that are beyond understanding
- by our attempts to represent spiritual beings
- by our attempts to apply eternal truth in a changing world
Intolerance
Often, our divisions have been caused by intolerance.
Intolerance displayed:
- through narrow-mindedness
- through the abuse of authority
- through the refusal to recognise authority
- through rigid rules
- through a lack of love
- through sin
We cannot change the past
BUT
we can influence the future.
Let us march together into the third millennium with FAITH, HOPE and LOVE
