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		1. Roots in the Sunday School movement
		2. Roots in the Federation of Churches movement
		3. 1933 merger
		4. Development of conciliar theory and a vision of Christian unity
		5. Social action in the 1960s
This page:		6. Protestant - Roman Catholic relations
Next page:		7. Social action in the 1970s
		8. Development of theological dialogue
		9. Social action in the 1980s and 1990s
		10. Protestant - Orthodox relations
		11. Our shared journey

6. Protestant - Roman Catholic relations

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Since the mid-nineteenth century, Massachusetts has been one of the most heavily Roman Catholic states in the country. During times of national Protestant/Roman Catholic tension, these issues were particularly acute in Massachusetts. The 1954 Annual Meeting commented on those tensions in this way:

“The status and relative strength of Protestant and Roman Catholic Churches in Massachusetts sometimes lead to public manifestation of differences and even of conflict. Harm does not necessarily result from differences. Indeed, differences which develop through sincere search for truth may be a stimulus to further search and to the fuller discovery of truth. … As Christians we have Jesus Christ in common, and we ought to seek every opportunity for brotherly cooperation with all men of goodwill, including our Roman Catholic friends, in areas of common concern for the common welfare. We express our sincere desire for fellowship without awaiting the time when all our differences are resolved.”

In the 1950s and early 60s, Protestant/Roman Catholic tension centered around matters of church and state, including state support for parochial schools, and debates about the ability of Roman Catholic public officials to govern impartially. After the Second Vatican Council, relations warmed considerably. In 1964 the Annual Meeting approved a resolution:

“recording its keen anticipation that [recent] developments will lead to ever-improving relations”.

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The Second Vatican Council had a marked effect on ecumenical life in Massachusetts. Previously, relationships between Roman Catholics and other religious leaders had been quiet and unofficial. Following Vatican II, connections became public and energetic.

Congregations across the state discovered each other and began to explore their unity in Christ.

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God. (Ephesians 2:19)

In recent years, the Ecumenical Officers from three of the Roman Catholic Diocese in Massachusetts have been active participants on the Council’s Board of Directors. We celebrate growing signs of collaboration. A small sample of these includes partnership in the Ecumenical Institute of New England,

joint programming with Boston Catholic Television during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, and cooperation in interfaith relationships.

For the witness of the churches together in commitment to healing enmity and growing in love,
we give you thanks, O Lord


Next page:		7. Social action in the 1970s