Recently there was an ecumenical meeting in Italy. Catholics attended and signed. An Adventist pastor attended and signed. The end is nigh!
What follows are a few articles on the recent signing of an ecumenical charter in Bologna, Italy, by Adventist pastor Giovanni Caccamo:
First, the paranoid anti-Christian right wing Adventist response:
Seventh-day Adventists, Roman Catholics and Evangelicals Sign a Historic ‘Ecumenical Charter’ that Affirms Faith in ‘One, Holy, Catholic Apostolic Church’ – Advent Messenger
Really. This is the rabid side of Adventism I’ve had the most contact with.
Second, Parts 1 and 2 of Denis Fortin’s response at Adventist Today defending pastor Giovanni Caccamo:
Part 1: Adventists Are Not Anti-Ecumenical – Denis Fortin, Adventist Today
Part 2: Adventists Believe in Christian Unity – Denis Fortin, Adventist Today
The charter in question itself: Charta Ecumenica di Bologna | Ecumenical Charter of Bologna
If understood without preconceived bigotry and within the context of each signatory’s faith, it’s hardly objectionable.
He also gave a sermon, which is on YouTube here. Non comprehendo linguam Italicam.
Naturally, the Inter-European division of the Seventh-day Adventist church has objected and considers ecumenism inappropriate. Keeping people in the dark. But then they go on to say it’s a good thing. So they just don’t like the side of ecumenism that threatens their existence and safety. Nobody does.
I thought the main purpose of the ecumenical movement within Christianity was to foster understanding and to recognise the Christianity in each other’s groups. I doubt it will cause everyone to become Catholic any more than it would cause everyone to become Adventist. But if Catholics can come to realise that Adventists are Christians and not Jews, and if Adventists can come to realise that Catholics don’t worship Mary and aren’t planning their torture and demise, then it’s a good thing. If recognising other Christians as Christian is a bad thing, and if understanding someone else’s beliefs in order to avoid blood libel-type caricatures is a bad thing, then people who think that must go somewhere else.
My only significant criticism: pastor Caccamo does look a little silly in a suit and tie surrounded by Catholic-like and Orthodox-like clergy dressed properly in a Catholic church.
