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Indice > Dialoghi Interconfessionali > JWG > Fifth Rep. | CONT. > II

     INTRODUCTION - select
   I. THE ECUMENICAL SITUATION - select
II. Functions and Operations of the Joint Group
   III. ACTIVITIES OF THE JOINT WORKING GROUP
       A. PRIORITIES FOR COLLABORATION - select
       B. ONGOING COLLABORATION - select
   IV. PROPOSAL FOR FUTURE WORK - select
   V. THE FUTURE OF THE JOINT WORKING GROUP ... - select
   
FULL TEXT

II. FUNCTIONS AND OPERATIONS OF THE JOINT WORKING GROUP

    The description of the function of the JWG given in the Fourth Report continues to be an adequate indication of what it is and the way it works. It is intended to enable the Roman Catholic Church and the World Council of Churches to evaluate together the development of the ecumenical movement. As before it will be a joint group with continuity of membership and sufficient breadth of representation from both sides. As an instrument of the parent bodies it is in close contact with them and accountable to them.

1. Functions

    The Joint Working Group aims primarily at discovering and assessing promising new possibilities for ecumenical development. It has the task of stimulating the discussion on the ecumenical movement and of being a challenge to the parent bodies by proposing new steps and programs.

    The Joint Working Group endeavors to interpret the major streams of ecumenical thought and action in the Roman Catholic Church and in the member churches of the World Council of Churches. It facilitates the exchange of information about the progress of the ecumenical movement, especially at the local level.

    The Joint Working Group seeks to establish collaboration between the various organs and programs of the Roman Catholic Church and of the World Council of Churches. In accordance with the principles and procedures of its parent bodies it encourages the genuine development of a relation which will facilitate such collaboration. To do so it draws upon the insights gained from local experience. As in the past, it remains a consultative group, not an operative agency. It may be empowered by the parent bodies to develop and administer programs it has proposed when this is called for.

    As the Joint Working Group seeks to initiate and help keep alive the discussion on the implications of the ecumenical movement in the Roman Catholic Church and in member churches of the World Council of Churches, it also seeks the beat means of communicating its findings and recommendations. An essential aspect of its task is to share its findings with its parent bodies.

2. Collaborators

    The Joint Working Group seeks to be in contact with a large number and range of ecumenical organizations and programs, especially on the local level. It may call upon various offices and programs of the parent bodies for assistance when special help is needed in certain areas in the process of collaboration. It also seeks information and advice from individuals and organizations which have particular ecumenical experience and competence.

3. Style of Operation

    As the Joint Working Group seeks to meet the needs of the churches, the style of collaboration must be kept flexible. It must be adaptable to the various and changing needs. Therefore, it seeks to keep new structures to a minimum, while concentrating on ad hoc initiatives, as they are required by the actual developments within the ecumenical movement. On occasion, of course, particular projects may call for some structural organization which will be set up after due authorization. Flexibility of style does not mean unplanned activity or lack of accountability. Rather it means more careful attention to the setting of priorities and to the use of resources.

 
 
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