A History of Christian Doctrine #3 - Online Christian Library

Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy
Council, which met from 1962 to 1965. Convened by
Pope John XXIII and concluded by Pope Paul VI, this
council made the most significant changes since the
Council of Trent. It set a new tone for the church.
We can identify five major characteristics of the council’s
work:
1. Pastoral, rather than dogmatic, discussion. The
council affirmed traditional Catholic theology. Unlike the
Council of Trent’s dogmatic presentation, however, it
offered a more nuanced approach, with the goal of relating
to modern needs and concerns.
2. Conciliatory, rather than confrontational,
approach. Whereas Trent pronounced anathemas on key
Protestant positions, Vatican II adopted a conciliatory
tone toward Eastern Orthodox and Protestants, speaking
of them as “separated brethren.” It acknowledged the
work of God in their midst and offered the hope of peaceful
reunion: 255
The Church recognizes that in many ways she is
linked with those who, being baptized, are honored
with the name of Christian, though they do not profess
the faith in its entirety or do not preserve unity of
communion with the successor of Peter. . . . They are
consecrated by baptism, in which they are united with
Christ. . . . Likewise we can say that in some real way
they are joined with us in the Holy Spirit, for to them
too He gives His gifts and graces whereby He is operative
among them with His sanctifying power. . . . In
all of Christ’s disciples the Spirit arouses the desire to
be peacefully united, in the manner determined by
Christ, as one flock under one shepherd, and He
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