A Singing Kasper by Atila S. Guimaraes

Ecumenism

A Singing Kasper

Atila S. Guimarães - July 13, 2003

JPII recently authorized the handover of the Church of Saints Vicenzo and Anastasio located in the heart of Rome for the religious services of the Bulgarian Schismatic Church. The Pope called this act an example of “ecclesial sharing,” which he hoped would help to defrost Catholic-“Orthodox” relations in general. An ecumenical service was also prepared in that church at which Cardinal Walter Kasper was present. He joined in singing the “Orthodox” songs, reciting prayers and exchanging gifts (The Tablet, June 7, 2003, p. 35).

Almost simultaneously the Russian Schismatic Church, the most important member of the "Orthodox" ensemble, came out with a statement protesting John Paul II’s intent to return the Icon of Our Lady of Kazan to it. Among other outrages, the communiqué affirmed that JPII’s action would be void of any meaning since the Icon he possesses supposedly is not the original one of 1579, but just an 18th century copy of the original (Adista, May 31, 2003, p. 5). Yet another slap in the Vatican’s face …

The Vatican defrosting maneuver did not work, and its final result is once again a dismal failure. The only positive point to have come from the initiative seems to be that Cardinal Kasper had a good opportunity to exercise his singing skills.

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