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Common Catechism Acclaimed

Diocesan Press Service. April 11, 1975 [75138]

NEW YORK, N.Y.. -- Church leaders and the country's major news media have enthusiastically greeted " The Common Catechism: A Book of Christian Faith," recently

published by The Seabury Press, the official publishing house of the Episcopal Church. A second large printing is on the way and three book clubs have selected the Catechism for their members.

Approved by no church as official teaching, the Catechism was written by 40 European theologians from Roman Catholic and Protestant backgrounds.

The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, the Rt. Rev. John M. Allin, sees the Catechism as "a significant contribution for our whole ecumenical community." Bishop Allin is the former chairman of the Episcopal Church's Joint Commission on Ecumenical Relations.

A front page New York Times story announced "The Common Catechism" as "the first document of its kind since the 16th century Reformation. "The Episcopalian, a national tabloid, hailed the publication of the Catechism as " a new era in the ecumenical movement. "

The major wire services called the statement " a new advance in the ecumenical movement" (Associated Press) and "a major document in the Church unity discussions" (United Press International). Early reviews in Newsweek ("A common denominator.... .") and Time Magazine ( "The uncatechism ") featured the publication of the Catechism.

The Rev. John B. Coburn, president of the Episcopal Church's House of Deputies, said of the new book, " ... the Holy Spirit is at work. I am most enthusiastic." "A landmark. . . a daring vision," was the reaction of Martin E. Marty of the University of Chicago Divinity School.

Dr. Peter Day, Ecumenical Officer of the Episcopal Church, said, "The Common Catechism, dealing as it does with the difficult historical and philosophical problems of belief in our times will be of great help to educated Christians of all churches in providing an intellectual foundation for their faith. "

Fr. Avery Dulles of the Catholic University of America called the Catechism "a notable compendium of Christian faith. "

The Most Rev. Donald Coggan, Archbishop of Canterbury, said of the new publication, "This is clearly an impressive piece of theological work. " Also from England reactions came from Roman Catholic Bishop B. C. Butler (". . . a very important theological and ecumenical publication") and the Rev. A. Raymond George, Methodist Conference president ("I highly commend The Common Catechism. ").

"The Common Catechism: A Book of Christian Faith" is a 720-page clothbound book for adults published as A Crossroad Book at a special introductory price of $10.95 by The Seabury Press, 815 Second Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10017.