The Sacraments Are Still an Issue

In the September 1, 1997 issue of this magazine, I commented on a recent ecumenical conference of Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and ecumenicals ("'That They All may be One,' or 'The Mystery of the Great Whore'?"). This summer saw another significant ecumenical development. Four large denominations in the tradition of the Reformation adopted a "Formula of Agreement" that established "full communion" among these churches. Adoption of the "Formula" meant that each denomination now recognizes...