Non-Catholic clergymen hoping for dialogue

Clergymen from non-Catholic denominations represented in Malta yesterday expressed hope that Pope Benedict XVI would keep his promise to dialogue with their Churches and other faiths.

In his first public Mass, the Pope said on Wednesday he would spare no effort and commitment to continue the promising dialogue with other faiths started by Pope John Paul II.

His election has been met with consternation from Church reformers who knew Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and defender of Catholic orthodoxy.

In recent speeches he made it clear he would not allow dissent and would block debate on issues such as women priests, priestly celibacy, contraception and homosexuality.

Speaking to The Times yesterday, Hansludwig Heller, pastor of the Protestant Church of Germany, said he wished the new Roman Pontiff would work for ecumenism.

"He is a very clever man. When I studied theology, I used to enjoy his lectures. He can do a lot, but because of the strong line he held in the past years, I don't think he will do much," Fr Heller said.

Fr Heller said Pope Benedict could well be a traditionalist Catholic leader so one was not to expect much ecumenism.

Dirk Knies, of the Evangelical Church, was more hopeful. He said he was encouraged when Pope Benedict emphasised the importance of the Gospel in his first message.

"He knows that God's Word should form the basis of a Christian's life. If the emphasis remains on the Gospel, then we will be able to move ahead," Fr Knies said.

Peter Wolfenden, chaplain of the Anglican Church of Malta, said he hoped the Holy Spirit would guide the new Pope to dialogue with other Christian Churches.

"We would be willing to enhance our relations, seeking more common ground and bridging our barriers with the Catholic Church," Fr Wolfenden said.