Bruderhof Communities and Catholic Church issue joint statement on marriage
Bruderhof Web Team
Christ's simple teachings on purity can - and must - still be affirmed.
That is why a group of Anabaptists, who were once burned as heretics, has
joined forces with the Roman Catholic Church to defend the sacredness of
marriage and human sexuality. Members of the Bruderhof Communities and
the Archdiocese of New York recently capped several years of discussion
and cooperation with the signing of a joint statement titled "A Call for
Purity". ( For the text of the joint statement, see
http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/ACallToPurity.htm )
“At a time when the Bruderhof often finds itself in the minority on
issues of marriage and sexuality, we have been encouraged by the
conviction and concern that many Catholics share with us in these crucial
matters,” said Bruderhof Communities member Art Wiser, who participated
in the dialogue and was on hand for the signing ceremony on August 19,
2003.
The document addresses marriage, celibacy, divorce and remarriage,
abortion, contraception, homosexual practice, pornography, masturbation,
premarital sexual intercourse, and related issues, and closes with the
following words:
"Our common Christian heritage and the desire to encourage people of good
will to live a life of purity brings together our two communities of
faith. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York and the Bruderhof
exhort all people—especially those baptized in the name of Christ—to live
a chaste life…It is imperative that believing communities find practical,
concrete ways to forge a counter-culture of fidelity…Despite the
obstacles placed by weakening moral standards, building a culture of
godly life is possible. Let us not forget that with God all things are
possible."
Signing for the Archdiocese of New York was Sr. Mary Elizabeth, S.V. of
the Family Life-Respect Life Office, and for the Bruderhof Communities,
author Johann Christoph Arnold. Many dioceses already use Arnold’s book
Sex, God, and Marriage in religious education classes.
To view Arnold’s book online, visit
http://www.bruderhof.com/e-books/SexGodMarriage.htm
For the text of the joint statement, see
http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/ACallToPurity.htm
© 2003 Bruderhof Communities