Press On in Ecumenical Work, Urges Pope

VATICAN CITY, OCT. 27, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Despite difficulties, the ecumenical dialogue which seeks full Christian unity must continue, says Benedict XVI.

"It is clear to us all that today's world is in need of a new evangelization, a fresh accounting on the part of Christians for the hope that is in them," the Pope said today in an audience with members of the Christian World Communions.

"Yet those who profess that Jesus Christ is Lord are tragically divided and cannot always give a consistent common witness," the Holy Father told the ecumenical organization. "Herein lies an enormous responsibility for us all.

"We may feel discouraged when progress is slow, but there is too much at stake to turn back."

Benedict XVI continued: "On the contrary, there are good reasons to forge ahead, as my predecessor Pope John Paul II pointed out in his encyclical letter 'Ut Unum Sint' on the Catholic Church's ecumenical commitment, where he speaks of brotherhood rediscovered and greater solidarity in the service of humanity."

Christian World Communions organizes periodic meetings between Anglicans, Lutherans, Baptists and Catholics, the latter represented by the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.