The Second Vatican Council, commencing today in Rome, is expected to attract the largest gathering of Roman Catholic prelates ever.   It is believed to have immense significance as Pope John XXIII has outlined a major objective for the council, calling for a reform or renewal of the church to align it more closely with the demands and circumstances of the modern world.

When translated into specific goals, the agenda is extensive.   Key priorities include reassessing the role of the episcopacy, potential changes in liturgical practices to allow for greater use of everyday language, fairer distribution of dioceses, reducing Western influence in missionary work, revisiting religious tolerance, and enhancing the involvement of laypeople in the church’s activities.   Central to the Pope’s call for reform is the belief that a revitalized church could better combat its main adversary, Communism, using a positive strategy instead of mere criticism.

The discussions at the council indicate a leaning towards future unity among all Christian denominations.   Many leaders of the Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox churches are troubled by the significant splits within Christianity in the 20th century, viewing the obstacles to unity as challenging.   However, Pope John, with a potentially prophetic foresight, prioritizes organizing his own church before tackling broader Christian unity.   He has also welcomed non-Catholic observers to attend council meetings, aiming to foster a more cordial atmosphere within the church.

Protestants are also eager for Christian solidarity, having made considerable progress in uniting their diverse denominations in the past fifty years.   The outcomes of Vatican II may not be immediately evident, but it is evident that by overcoming past animosities and refocusing on shared beliefs, the dream of a united Christianity could one day be realized.