Twenty Catholic and evangelical Protestant scholars, associated with the Evangelicals and Catholics Together project, have released a new joint statement exploring their unified and distinct understandings of the four marks of the Church: one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. These marks originate from the Nicene Creed.
The seven-page statement is titled “The Pillar and Foundation of Truth.” It acknowledges the shared belief that “Christ is one… holy, and he is the Lord of all,” serving as the “source and guarantor of apostolic teaching.” Therefore, the document posits, “every gathering of faithful Christians possesses to some degree the four notes of the church, however imperfectly.”
R.R. Reno, executive director of First Things magazine and a leader in the initiative, stated the document aims to better instruct participants on what their respective traditions teach about the Church. He emphasized that the Evangelicals and Catholics Together project seeks Christian unity by highlighting agreement while acknowledging “profound differences,” avoiding “false ecumenism.”
Catholic signatories include Monsignor Thomas Guarino, George Weigel, and Christopher Ruddy. Evangelical signatories include Gerald McDermott, Laura Smit, and Dale Coulter.
One, holy, catholic, and apostolic
The statement clarifies it does not aim to resolve historical divisions but rather “to express a shared understanding of the creedal marks.” It highlights the challenge posed by contemporary secular culture, which can weaken faith and corrupt worship, necessitating discernment for “reformation and repair.”
Regarding “one,” the scholars agree Christians are united through one faith and baptism and that unity is found in worshipping God through the Holy Spirit. They acknowledge disunity impairs witness. However, they note an “imperfect unity” due to differing views: Catholics emphasize the Eucharist, episcopal unity under the pope ensuring oneness in teaching, worship, and governance. Evangelicals focus on unity through regeneration in Christ, true doctrine, biblical preaching, sacraments, and faithful living.
On “holy,” they agree the Church is a sacred, divine instrument governed by Christ. They share concern over churches being “lazy, lukewarm, and apathetic” and recognize the Church’s holiness through Christ despite the sins of the faithful.
For “catholic” (universal), unity exists in recognizing the universality of Christ’s body and God’s boundless love and salvation offer. They agree on the mission to convert cultures and that God achieves catholicity. Differences mirror those on “oneness”: Catholics emphasize sacramental, doctrinal, and juridical universality, while evangelicals focus on shared confession, spiritual gifts, and patterns of renewal.
Concerning “apostolic,” agreement lies in confessing the apostles’ faith and the duty “to contend for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” They unite against “progressive religion” seen as a threat to apostolicity, graver than their own theological differences. Distinct views remain: Catholics highlight apostolic succession through bishops, especially the Pope. Evangelicals emphasize the succession of true doctrine and faithful leadership based on Scripture.
The statement concludes by agreeing that only the Church Triumphant in heaven possesses these marks perfectly, while the Church Militant on earth participates imperfectly. Despite divisions on the degree to which these marks are possessed, they share confidence in Christ’s promise that “the gates of hell will not prevail against” the Church.
Evangelicals and Catholics Together project
The Evangelicals and Catholics Together project began its work in 1992, publishing its first document in 1994. It aims to provide a united voice on cultural issues and promote Christian unity by discussing agreements and acknowledging real differences, helping to break down stereotypes.
R.R. Reno noted that an “increasingly progressive and hostile secular culture” has driven religious Americans together, creating opportunities for conversation. Monsignor Thomas Guarino added that the initiative moved beyond being “allies in the culture wars” towards theological unification, recognizing each other as “brothers in Jesus Christ.” He stressed the importance of ecumenism for Christian witness and the shared belief that the Gospel contributes to understanding societal problems, acknowledging both common ground and the “long road” towards full theological unity.
