Bridging Divides: John Wesley’s Letter to Roman Catholics

Introduction

John Wesley, a seminal figure in the founding of the Methodist Church, took a significant step in his time by writing “A Letter to the Roman Catholics” in 1749. As a Catholic scholar, it is intriguing to analyze this historical document and appreciate how Wesley sought to bridge the divides between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism. While we must remember that Wesley wrote from a Protestant perspective, his intent to foster unity among Christians cannot be ignored. This article will explore the theological foundations of Wesley’s letter, its scriptural and catechistic alignment, and its relevance to modern Catholic-Protestant dialogue.

The Context of Religious Division

The divisions that necessitated Wesley’s letter can be traced back to the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. During that period, religious tensions escalated between Protestants and Catholics, often manifesting in conflicts, excommunications, and even wars. Wesley’s initiative to write the letter can be seen as an attempt to build bridges between the two traditions, a gesture deeply rooted in Christian love. In the Catholic Church, the importance of unity among Christians is emphasized in the Catechism, which says, “The Church is one because of her ‘soul’: ‘It is the Holy Spirit, dwelling in those who believe and pervading and ruling over the entire Church, who brings about that wonderful communion of the faithful and joins them together so intimately in Christ that he is the principle of the Church’s unity.'” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 813)

Core Beliefs Highlighted by Wesley

Shared Theological Tenets

In the letter, Wesley makes it a point to focus on shared theological foundations, like the belief in the Trinity, the importance of the Scriptures, and the notion of salvation through grace and faith. As Catholics, we affirm these beliefs, with the Catechism stating that, “The mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of the Christian faith and of Christian life” (CCC 261). The point here is that Wesley carefully chose common grounds that Catholics could nod along with.

Love as a Unifying Principle

Wesley also underscored the essential Christian virtue of love, an area of strong agreement with Catholic teaching. “God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him” (1 John 4:16, RSV). The Catechism of the Catholic Church similarly emphasizes that love is “the greatest social commandment. It respects others and their rights. It requires the practice of justice, and it alone makes us capable of it” (CCC 1889).

The Communion of Saints

Another interesting point in Wesley’s letter is the emphasis on a form of the “communion of saints,” which he framed as the interconnectedness of all believers in Christ. The Catholic Church teaches this doctrine more fully, saying, “Being more closely united to Christ, those who dwell in heaven fix the whole Church more firmly in holiness. . . . They do not cease to intercede with the Father for us, as they proffer the merits which they acquired on earth through the one mediator between God and men, Christ Jesus” (CCC 956).

Areas of Theological Differences

While Wesley’s letter had many points of convergence with Catholic teaching, it is crucial to highlight that he avoided discussing points of divergence like the role of the Pope, the nature of the Eucharist, and the veneration of saints. The omission of these topics was intentional; Wesley’s objective was to find a common ground rather than to engage in polemical debates.

Relevance for Modern Dialogue

In the modern context, Wesley’s efforts can be seen as an early example of ecumenical dialogue. The Catholic Church has, especially since the Second Vatican Council, been open to conversations with other Christian denominations. The Catechism notes that such dialogue is not just good but necessary, stating, “Christ bestowed unity on his Church from the beginning. This unity, we believe, subsists in the Catholic Church as something she can never lose” (CCC 813).

Conclusion

John Wesley’s “A Letter to the Roman Catholics” is a remarkable artifact in the history of Christian ecumenism. While written from a Protestant perspective, the letter aligns with many teachings found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Holy Scripture. The commitment to love, unity, and shared foundational beliefs are areas where Wesley and Catholic teaching have much in common. As Catholics, we can appreciate Wesley’s gesture as a significant step towards the ecumenical dialogue that the Church continues to pursue today.

Thus, John Wesley’s endeavor to find common ground with Roman Catholics serves as a model for us today, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what unites us rather than what divides us. It is a potent reminder of Christ’s prayer for his followers: “That they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21, RSV).