183
joined to her by baptism, are yet separated from
full communion with herâ.
192
We must never for-
get that we are pilgrims journeying alongside one
another. This means that we must have sincere
trust in our fellow pilgrims, putting aside all sus-
picion or mistrust, and turn our gaze to what we
are all seeking: the radiant peace of Godâs face.
Trusting others is an art and peace is an art. Jesus
told us: âBlessed are the peacemakersâ (
Mt
5:9).
In taking up this task, also among ourselves, we
fulfil the ancient prophecy: âThey shall beat their
swords into ploughsharesâ (
Is
2:4).
245.âIn this perspective, ecumenism can be
seen as a contribution to the unity of the human
family. At the Synod, the presence of the Patri-
arch of Constantinople, His Holiness Bartholo-
maios I, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, His
Grace Rowan Williams, was a true gift from God
and a precious Christian witness.
193
246.âGiven the seriousness of the counter-wit-
ness of division among Christians, particularly
in Asia and Africa, the search for paths to unity
becomes all the more urgent. Missionaries on
those continents often mention the criticisms,
complaints and ridicule to which the scandal of
divided Christians gives rise. If we concentrate
on the convictions we share, and if we keep in
192
âS
econd
V
atican
C
ouncil
, Decree on Ecumenism
Unitatis Redintegratio
, 4.
193
âCf.
Propositio
52.
