Blog
March 2024
60 Jahre „Pro Oriente“
Zu den großen Anliegen des II. Vatikanischen Konzils gehört der Dialog sowohl innerhalb der Christenheit als auch mit der Welt und ihren Lebensbereichen. Einer der maßgeblichen Pioniere war der Wiener Erzbischof Kardinal Dr. Franz König, der 1964 die Stiftung „Pro Oriente“ für die Wiederannäherung und die ökumenische Zusammenarbeit mit den Kirchen des Ostens gründete und maßgeblicher Träger des Dialogs und zahlreicher Initiativen war.
Bridging Divindes in the Balkans
As a participant in the conference of the “Healing of Wounded Memories” project, I was driven to share insights into our theological initiatives addressing the multifaceted issues discussed- an endeavor both proud and humbling. The goal of exploring transitional justice and reconciliation, as outlined in the conference objectives, was profoundly impacted by the ongoing war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Holy Land, and the geopolitical tensions casting a prevailing shadow over Southeastern Europe’s stability. This circumstance has heightened our eagerness to present our ecumenical vision, particularly within the intricate tapestry of the Balkans. Here, where wounds from past conflicts linger, the theological discourse serves as a vital compass guiding the way toward reconciliation and healing. The ongoing challenges only strengthen our resolve to navigate our work in the complexities of this region.
Greetings of Christoph Cardinal Schönborn
My memories go back 50 years when I first came into contact with the than 10-years-young foundation. As a young theologian I participated (as listener) at the famous Symposium on Ecclesiology in 1974. In the early 80s Cardinal König called me to join the directory of Pro Oriente. For nearly 30 years I have the honor to be Protector of the Foundation.
Greetings
On the occasion of its 60th anniversary, I would like to thank the PRO ORIENTE Foundation for its precious contribution to ecumenical dialogue since its establishment in the year 1964 by Cardinal Franz König, during the Second Vatican Council.
After Genocide: The Church as a Community of Constant Repentance
The holy Church is not a societas perfecta that exists outside of history, human error or the limitations of time and space (Flanagan 2018). It can be assured of its own holiness only as a result of God’s grace and his decision to answer the Church’s epicletic plea for holiness. As the community of the faithful the Church is in constant need of sanctification (Böhnke 2014). Repentance in this sense means a lifelong dynamic of spiritual and existential transformation, a holistic metamorphosis of the whole Church: metanoia.
February 2024
A Theology of Scars of the Body of Christ
“What we must do is not heal ourselves, not treat, console, reassure, or educate others, but to remain erect in the sacred wound, to see and show it in silence”. – This line appears in the book The Most Secret Memory of Men, by Mohamed Mbougar Sarr, a Senegalese young author who won the Goncourt Price in France in 2021. The context of the paragraph is a tragic story of an infant who is witnessing the killing of his parents, the parents are tortured, and the child hears their cries. After this episode, the aggressor realizes that the child has witnessed this massacre, and he decides not to kill the child. However, not out of mercy. The decision to spare his life arises from the belief that living with the memory of such horrors is more torturous than death itself.
Forgiveness Redefined: Exploring an Innovative Theological Paradigm Through the Lens of Mother Teresa and Albania's Ongoing Transitional Justice
Albania, known for its religious diversity and history of severe Communist persecution, stands as a significant case study in transitional justice, ecumenical and interfaith reconciliation, and the concept of Holistic Reconciliation. This paper explores Albania's religious composition, where Sunni Muslims constitute nearly 57 percent of the population, Roman Catholics 10 percent, members of the Albanian Orthodox Church 7 percent, and members of the Bektashi Order (an Islamic Sufi order) 2 percent. These demographics have remained relatively stable, as evidenced by the 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Albania. All religious groups in Albania, including the Catholic Church, faced severe persecution during the Communist era. These persecution united religious and lay individuals, highlighting the need for transitional justice. Albania's situation underscores the importance of Holistic Reconciliation, with religious leaders playing a key role in this process.
The Transformative Dynamics of Migration: An Ecumenical Exploration in the Balkans
This paper delves into the multifaceted impact of the migration phenomenon that unfolds in the Balkans since 2015. By examining its evolution, socio-political consequences, and the unexpected role of migrants and refugees in fostering ecumenism, it unfolds the intricate tapestry of contemporary migration in the region. Through a three-fold analysis, the paper investigates how migrants become unexpected allies of ecumenism, enhance the relevance of churches, and contribute to a heightened capacity for empathetic listening among diverse religious communities.
November 2023
Orthodox-Catholic Dialogue: Healing of Wounded Memories
Dialogue between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches has yielded encouraging results over the past decades. Nevertheless, in several parts of the world the reception of these results on the part of the local churches and communities has been and continues to be hampered by the legacy of historical conflicts, war and discrimination. This blog collects perspectives and visions of a conscious theoloigcal and practical dealing with the past in our churches.
Healing of Wounded Memories
Dialogue between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches has yielded encouraging results over the past decades. Nevertheless, in several parts of the world the reception of these results on the part of the local churches and communities has been and continues to be hampered by the legacy of historical conflicts, war and discrimination. This blog collects perspectives and visions of a conscious theoloigcal and practical dealing with the past in our churches.
