By Tyler Arnold
Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Apr 8, 2025 / 12:40 pm
Exploring the Unity and Diversity of Catholic and Evangelical Traditions
Twenty Catholic and evangelical Protestant scholars have come together to delve into the shared beliefs and distinctive understandings surrounding the four marks of the Church: one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.
The Nicene Creed, a foundational Christian statement of faith, initially adopted in A.D. 325, was further enriched with the inclusion of the “four marks” at the second ecumenical council in A.D. 381.
While interpretations may vary among Christian denominations, the councils’ authority and significance are widely recognized by the Catholic Church, Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches, and many traditional Protestant communities.
Members of the Evangelicals and Catholics Together project have recently unveiled a comprehensive statement titled “The Pillar and Foundation of Truth,” addressing the four marks in depth.
“Despite our theological differences, we affirm the core Gospel truth that Christ is one, holy, and the ultimate authority. As the embodiment of apostolic teaching, Christ unites all believers and imbues every Christian assembly with the essence of the church,” the document states.
These scholars’ collaborative effort serves as a testament to the ongoing dialogue and mutual understanding between Catholic and evangelical traditions, highlighting the shared commitment to the fundamental tenets of the Christian faith.
Welcome to the latest update from First Things magazine! Our executive director, Reno, along with other leaders and signatories of our initiative, recently issued a statement to deepen our understanding of our traditions and teachings about the Church.
Evangelicals and Catholics Together, established in the 1990s, aims to promote Christian unity by highlighting areas of agreement while acknowledging and respecting profound differences. This initiative avoids the pitfalls of false ecumenism and fosters genuine dialogue between different Christian traditions.
Among the Catholic signatories are Monsignor Thomas Guarino, George Weigel, and Christopher Ruddy, all renowned theologians in their fields. On the Evangelical side, Gerald McDermott, Laura Smit, and Dale Coulter bring their expertise and perspectives to the table.
The statement emphasizes the creedal marks of the Church – one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. While not seeking to resolve centuries-old divisions between Protestants and Catholics, the scholars aim to express a shared understanding of these foundational beliefs.
In a world where secular culture undermines our collective witness to Christ, the affirmation of these creedal marks serves as a guide for discerning areas in need of reformation and repair within the Church. Unity, holiness, catholicity, and apostolicity are essential aspects that define the body of Christ and guide believers in their worship and witness to the world.
Join us in exploring these profound truths and engaging in meaningful dialogue to strengthen the Church and our shared Christian witness. Stay tuned for more updates and insights from First Things magazine!
Our unity in Christ is a powerful testament to the world of his love.
While scholars recognize that Catholics and Protestants have an “imperfect unity,” they also acknowledge that the resolution of disputes regarding the Church’s oneness is still a work in progress.
For Catholics, unity is centered around the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist and the leadership of the pope, ensuring oneness in teaching, worship, and governance.
On the other hand, Evangelicals believe that unity is found in those regenerated in Christ, professing true doctrine, engaging in biblical preaching, participating in sacraments, and living faithfully as Christians.
Regarding the second mark of the Church, “holy,” the signatories agree that the Church is governed by the Son of God and must reflect its sacred calling, striving to set itself apart from the world through discipline and faithful practices.
Even though the Church may be hidden under the sinfulness of its followers, it is still holy because Christ is our holiness.
The third mark, “catholic,” emphasizes the universal nature of the Church, transcending boundaries and offering salvation to all. Both Catholics and Evangelicals believe in the universal body of Christ and strive to spread the lordship of Christ to all cultures.
Mission, service, leadership, and proclamation are essential in furthering the catholicity of the Church, spreading the message of Christ’s love without limits.
