Abstract

This article maintains that the theme of «unity in diversity» is at the heart of Vatican II's Unitatis redintegratio. The first part of Chapter Three of that decree, treating the legitimate variety between the Churches of the East and of the West, illustrates how diversity can be compatible with and even enrich unity. The second part of that chapter suggests that the key to overcoming unacceptable diversity is ecumenical dialogue. Two major fruits of such dialogue are the Faith and Order Commission's text Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry and the Lutheran-Catholic Joint Declaration on Justification . Both of these texts lead to the conclusion that an ecclesial process of discernment is the fundamental means by which unity in diversity is maintained in the Church. For its part, agreement about ecclesial discernment ultimately rests upon agreement about the ministry of episcope or oversight