Ever since the 1994 publication of the Evangelicals and Catholics together document (ECT), and with renewed urgency in the wake of the Affordable Care Act’s contraception mandate and the increased acceptance of same-sex marriage, there has been a growing affiliation between Rome and various evangelical traditions. The alliance has been based largely on the growing awareness that creedal Christian orthodoxy is in a marginal position in the public square. Despite their long history of conflict, Catholics and evangelicals have realized that they will be stronger if they face their challenges together.
However, while the force of necessity does wonders for forming alliances, it does not always forge genuine friendships. While there has certainly been an increase in collaboration between evangelicals and Catholics in recent years, there has not been an attendant growth in understanding of the other tradition’s actual theology. This lack of thoughtful interaction with the opposite tradition’s actual beliefs can wreak havoc on the ecumenical work begun by ECT.
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