Diversity and uniformity in the quest for Christian unity: a study of the relationship between the Maronite Church and the Holy See for a possible contribution to the ecumenical movement

Christ prayed that the Church be one “so that the world may believe” (John 17:21). The background of this thesis therefore is the wish to contribute to the efforts being made to realize this prayer of Christ. Our main concern is to find possible ways to address the challenges of diversity and uniformity to move forward in the search of Christian unity. In this context, the study of the Maronite-Holy See relationship reveals some possible ecumenical directions for the future: seeking unity does not mean to be uniform; setting limits to diversity is necessary to achieve unity; strengthening reception and openness to spiritual ecumenism pave the way for visible unity. Our contention is that the quest for unity could be improved in the future if these points get bigger reinforcement within the ecumenical movement