The Vatican has denied rumours that a secret commission is creating an “ecumenical Mass” that would allow joint Communion between Catholics and Protestants.
Greg Burke, director of the Holy See press office, and Archbishop Arthur Roche, the second highest-ranking official in the Congregation for Divine Worship, strongly denied the reports after days of speculation.
Archbishop Roche told the Tablet that the rumours were “utterly false”, while Mr Burke said they were “simply not true”. The denials came after a First Things report quoted anonymous sources who said a commission was looking to create an “ecumenical Mass”.
It added that Cardinal Sarah, the prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship, had not been informed of the plans.
Last week, the Australian asked the Vatican about the rumours but did not receive a response. The paper added that the Mass would supposedly include prayers, readings from Scripture and a common Communion, but that Catholic and Protestant clergy would pray the words of consecration silently.
The rumours prompted German Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki to say such a Mass would be theologically impossible. An ecumenical Mass would have “no basis”, he said, because Catholics and Protestants “do not agree on the central issues”. Last week Andrea Grillo, an Italian theologian who had been named as one of those on the commission, denied any involvement. He said: “Regarding the ‘rumours’, I wish to insist that I am not part of any Vatican commission. I teach, study and publish: these are my only activities.”
Maronite patriarch to visit Saudi Arabia for first time
Lebanon’s Catholic patriarch is to visit Saudi Arabia for the first time in a move that suggests a shift in the kingdom’s attitude to Christians.
Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rahi will meet King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his trip.
Waleed Bukhari, the Saudi chargé d’affaires in Lebanon who issued the invitation to the patriarch, said it would be “one of the most important official visits to the kingdom”.
Lebanese daily newspaper An-Nahar wrote that the invitation was “surprising”. Christians make up about four per cent of the Saudi population. Crosses and other Christian symbols are banned and Christians have to meet in embassies or in private homes.
The invitation follows a pledge by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to return the country to “moderate Islam”. The heir to the Saudi throne told the Guardian newspaper that the state had been “not normal” for 30 years.
Bishop Camillo Ballin, apostolic vicar for Northern Arabia, said: “The visit may be the beginning of a new attitude of Saudi Arabia towards other religions.”
Cardinal laments ‘horrific’ attack
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston has expressed solidarity with a Baptist church in Texas where 26 people were shot dead.
Cardinal DiNardo said: “We stand in unity with you in this time of tragedy – as you stand on holy ground, ground marred today by horrific violence.”
Those who died at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs ranged in age from 18 months to 72.
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