I. The Change of Heart
5. "There can be no ecumenism worthy of the name without interior conversion." (No. 7) The renewal of the inner life is basic to the renewal of the Church. Of its nature it must be painful, because it calls for acknowledgement of our individual failures and those of the Church as a whole. The causes of Christian disunity are sin and pride. They are still at work helping to thwart our best intentions. First we must always presume the sincerity of Christians of other traditions. We should calmly receive their criticisms made in good faith, whether they are legitimate or the result of misunderstanding. We should be patient as we explain the doctrine and the position of the Catholic Church. At the same time, we should have a genuine appreciation of the life and truth which other Christian Churches and Ecclesial Communities possess. We must avoid the extreme of "immobilism," which is the passive attitude of awaiting the return and submission of other Churches," and the other extreme which overlooks differences and looks for quick and superficial results, even at the risk of stunting real growth in our ecumenical endeavors.
II. Prayer for Unity
6. "This change of heart and holiness of life, along with public and private prayer for the unity of Christians, should be regarded as the soul of the whole ecumenical movement, and merits the name 'spiritual ecumenism.' It is a recommended custom for Catholics to meet for frequent recourse to that prayer for the unity of the Church with which the Savior Himself on the eve of His death so fervently appealed to His Father: 'that they may all be one." (John 17:20)" (No. 8)
7. A special occasion for this prayer is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity which is observed by both Catholics and other Christians during the week of January 18-25 each year. Pastors should stress this devotion and exhort their people to take part in it. Where it is deemed advisable, neighboring parishes should unite to participate in these services. Civic holidays as well as the principal liturgical seasons of the year are also appropriate occasions for common prayer services.
8. The cause of Christian Unity should frequently be included in the General Intercessions on the Lord's Day and on other Holy Days.
9. Prayer for Christian Unity should be offered and encouraged in all our classes of religious instruction, especially during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
10. At the first Eucharist, in the moments which preceded His passion and death, the Lord addressed Himself to His Father in His priestly prayer for unity. This prayer of Christ has become the prayer of the Church, not only when these words are read and listened to, but, above all, when the Church celebrates the Eucharist. It is appropriate, therefore, that the Eucharist be offered frequently for the cause of Christian Unity. Each parish is strongly encouraged to schedule at least one public Mass for the UNITY OF CHRISTIANS during the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.