ECCLESIAL COMMUNION ENLIVENS THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION

VATICAN CITY, FEB 16, 2002 (VIS) - This morning, the Pope met members of the Pontifical Theological Academy who are participating in their first international forum, the theme of which is: "Jesus Christ, Way, Truth and Life. Towards a rereading of 'Dominus Iesus'."

"The primary task of the Pontifical Theological Academy," said the Pope, "is to meditate on the mystery of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Master, fullness of grace and truth."

The Holy Father affirmed that today "two aspects characterize the apostolate and the service of truth: the dynamic and the ecclesial." Comprehending the truth "implies the idea of travelling and, above all, of following; following Christ, way, truth and life. ... Theologians' free and independent research takes place within the boundaries of faith and of communion with the Church. ... Ecclesial communion, far from being a limit, is in reality a space that enlivens theological reflection."
"Catholic theologians are aware that the Magisterium is not extrinsic to truth and faith. Quite the contrary, as a constituent element of the Church, it is at the service of the Word of truth which safeguards against deviation and deformation, guaranteeing that the people of God are always guided and sustained by Christ-Truth. Thus, the relationship between magisterium and theological work is based on the principle of harmony. ... Where communion in faith is a question, the principle of unity in truth must be applied; where, on the other hand, there are diverging opinions, the principle of unity in charity holds good."

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