Irenicism
IRENICISM
A term used to describe peaceful or conciliatory means in dealing with Church matters, particularly in the field of Christian unity, as distinct from polemics or controversy. It does not imply a dilution or diminution of the truth in order to secure a solution to thorny problems. The Decree on Ecumenism of Vatican II warned that "Nothing is so foreign to the spirit of ecumenism as a false conciliatory approach [irenicism] which harms the purity of Catholic doctrine and obscures its assured genuine meaning" (UR 11). At the same time, "the manner and order in which Catholic belief is expressed should in no way become an obstacle to dialogue with our brethren" (ibid.).
A true irenicism involves kindness and respect for the attitude and opinion of others who are not members of the Church and seeks to create a spirit of mutual understanding, but in no way does it attempt to compromise with truth or charity. It seeks to promote the principles of unity in the spirit of the Good Shepherd.
See Also: indifferentism; ecumenical movement; triumphalism.
Bibliography: b. lambert, Le Problème oecuménique, 2 v. (Paris 1961). g. thils, Histoire doctrinale du mouvement oecuménique (Louvain 1955). m. j. le guillou, Mission et Unité, 2 v. (Paris 1960). c. j. dumont, Les Voices de l'unité chrétienne (Paris 1954).
[t. cranny/eds.]