As co-chairman of the group called Evangelicals and Catholics Together—a 15-year dialogue involving theological issues that separate us—I was hardly surprised when the Pope restated what has been Vatican policy since the Reformation.

The Catholic Church defines the church in terms of apostolic succession and the Eucharist; the Reformation churches cannot make the same claim about apostolic succession, at least in the eyes of the Catholic Church. Nor do we as evangelicals see the Eucharist as Catholics do. These are issues that, as we all strive for unity, may one day be resolved. We are far from resolving them today, however. The doctrine of the church is one ECT has not taken up simply because the differences are so profound.

All good ecumenical discussions proceed not in dumbing down our differences but in exploring them always in service of the truth. As a Baptist, I believe that the Baptist understanding of ecclesiology is biblically correct, that it is the true expression of the Church. The Pope, of course, makes the statement that his view is the true expression of the Church. But we will keep seeking common ground.

As one committed to the pursuit of unity in service of the truth, I welcome honest expressions of our different views. So it’s hardly news.