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## The Roman Catholic/Pentecostal Dialogue: A Journey Towards Christian Unity The Roman Catholic/Pentecostal Dialogue represents a significant ecumenical endeavor, spanning over a decade and initiated roughly sixty years after the emergence of the first Pentecostal denominations. This theological exchange, detailed by Jerry L. Sandidge, sought to bridge a historical divide and foster greater Christian understanding. Its origins are largely attributed to the pioneering efforts of David J. du Plessis, an “ecumenical Pentecostal” whose persistent engagement with the Vatican Secretariat for Promoting Christian Unity, particularly with figures like Cardinal Augustin Bea and Cardinal John Willebrands, paved the way for formal discussions. Crucially, this dialogue was facilitated by three broader ecclesiastical shifts: the increasing acceptance of Pentecostals within the wider Christian world, the burgeoning charismatic renewal movements within both historic Protestantism and Roman Catholicism, and the transformative impact of the Second Vatican Council’s emphasis on ecumenism. Initial preliminary consultations in the early 1970s laid the groundwork for the formal dialogue. These meetings, though cautious, affirmed a unanimous desire for theological exchange, leading to the establishment of a structured process involving a steering committee, prepared papers, and agreed statements. Importantly, the dialogue’s stated purpose was not to pursue immediate structural church union, nor to directly address internal Roman Catholic charismatic issues, but rather to cultivate “unity in prayer and common witness.” The first quinquennium (1972-1976) focused primarily on topics directly relevant to the Pentecostal movement and charismatic renewal, such as baptism in the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, and corporate worship. Its final report underscored that its conclusions represented serious study by participants, not official doctrinal pronouncements binding their respective churches. The second quinquennium (1977-1982) marked a strategic evolution, with the decision to include only classical Pentecostals, reflecting the Roman Catholic Church’s desire for deeper engagement with the global Pentecostal movement. This phase introduced a more rigorous methodology, including the “hard questions” approach, designed to delve directly into substantive theological issues. The dialogue’s structured schedule, featuring shared meals, devotions, plenary sessions, and small group discussions, proved instrumental in fostering mutual understanding and replacing polemics with irenicism, despite persistent differences. However, the composition of the participating teams revealed challenges: while Roman Catholic delegates were predominantly academic theologians, the Pentecostal side, though diverse, faced a relative shortage of scholars. Both sides also notably lacked representation from the global South, a recognized deficiency slated for correction in future dialogue phases. The theological discussions of the second quinquennium ventured into more divisive areas, including hermeneutics (where differing approaches to Scripture between historical-critical and spiritual interpretations emerged), tradition, the nature of the Church, and ministry. The 1981 session, in particular, dedicated extensive discussion to the role of Mary, a topic introduced at the Pentecostals’ request, proving controversial yet ultimately productive for deeper understanding. Discussions on ministry further highlighted distinct ecclesiological frameworks, contrasting Roman Catholic emphases on sacraments and apostolic succession with Pentecostal concerns for divine calling and spiritual gifts. While complete theological agreement was not achieved on these fundamental tenets, the dialogue fostered a profound appreciation for shared faith and a clearer grasp of points of divergence. The ecumenical significance of this dialogue extends beyond the direct participants. As co-chairman Kilian McDonnell observed, such formal exchanges contribute to “the death of mythologies,” fostering accurate understanding and breaking down preconceived notions. The dialogue encouraged Roman Catholics to re-evaluate the personal dimensions of faith and Pentecostals to consider the social dimensions of the Gospel. Its influence has rippled into broader ecumenical circles, including initial contacts with the World Council of Churches and the inspiration of national bilateral dialogues in various countries. Looking ahead, the dialogue is set to continue for a third quinquennium, with future topics expected to include “Baptism and the Communion of Saints,” as well as missions and evangelization. Ultimately, this ongoing dialogue, characterized by mutual respect and acceptance, serves as a vital instrument of communication, transforming points of difference into opportunities for continued theological enrichment and a shared witness to the Christian faith.
