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Understanding Dominus Iesus

Statement from Bill Beckman
Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs Officer for the Archdiocese of Denver

The Sept. 5 declaration issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, "Dominus Iesus: On the Unicity and Salvific Universality of Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church," repeats the teaching of Second Vatican Council, that Jesus Christ is the unique savior of the world, and that the fullness of the means of grace and salvation are present in the Catholic Church.

This is not new teaching. Each Sunday, Catholics profess their faith in "one holy, Catholic and apostolic Church," which is "governed by the Successor of Peter and by the Bishops in communion with him" (Second Vatican Council, Dogmatic Constitution Lumen gentium, 8).

Inaccurate media reports have led to misinterpretations of the document's intent and content. To fully appreciate the declaration's significance, Catholics and others must know what it says, what it does not say, and to whom it was directed.

The declaration was issued primarily as a tool to assist Catholic theologians, missionaries and those involved in ecumenical and interfaith dialogue. At a time when religious relativism – the mentality that suggests "one religion is as good as another" – has generated confusion and indifference among the Catholic faithful and others, the declaration seeks to clarify fundamental truths of the Catholic faith.

While affirming that other churches (the Orthodox) and ecclesial communities (Protestants) have "elements of sanctification and truth" (LG 8) which are derived from the "very fullness of grace and truth entrusted to the Catholic Church" (Second Vatican Council, Decree on Ecumenism, 3), the document recalls that these other Christians are not yet in full communion with the Catholic Church.

The document also addresses members of non-Christian religions, repeating the teaching of Vatican II that for those who are not formally members of the Church, "salvation in Christ is accessible by virtue of a grace which comes from Christ ... and is the result of his sacrifice." (Redemptoris missio 9).

Contrary to some reports, the declaration does not say that only Catholics – nor only Christians – can be saved. It does say that salvation comes through the unique mediation of Jesus Christ and His Church, for all people in every age.

This declaration will be a constructive teaching instrument for those charged with passing on the Catholic faith and for all others who study and pray over its content. May it also enrich the foundation from which fruitful ecumenical and interreligious dialogue flows.