MOSCOW, Jul 31, 02 (CWNews.com) - The Russian Orthodox Church has renewed its criticism of the Vatican, claiming that Catholics are engaged in aggressive efforts to convert Orthodox believers in Russia and neighboring countries.
In a July 30 statement, the Patriarchate of Moscow acknowledged a message from Cardinal Walter Kasper,.the president of the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity. But the Patriarchate said the letter confirmed a Vatican policy which is «unacceptable for the Russian Orthodox Church.»
In a detailed answer to Orthodox complaints about «proselytism,» Cardinal Kasper had indicated that the Catholic Church is not seeking to draw believers away from the Orthodox faith, but hoping to bring the Gospel to those who are not currently attached to any Christian congregation-- as well as to the Catholics now living in Russia. But the Moscow patriarchate rejected that explanation, saying: «From the experience of the last years we know that by this they mean missionary wrok, aiming to convert to Catholicism as many people as possible.»
The Moscow Patriarchate also complained about the establishment of a new Catholic diocese in Ukraine. Such moves into «historically Orthodox regions» are a sign of the Vatican's plan «to spread her influence to the East,» the statement charged. «Such policies of the Roman Catholic Church can result in nothing but distrust and alienation.»
The Russian Orthodox statement concluded with a flat statement that Catholics must cease «proselytism,» which was defined as «the very fact of a Catholic mission carried out among Christians of the apostolic faith who have no historical or cultural links with the Catholic Church whatsoever.»
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31. juli 2002