'Ecumenical catechism'

A Vatican official called for "an ecumenical catechism" setting forth the common beliefs of the Roman Catholic and major Protestant churches.

Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, announced the proposal at a Vatican symposium with representatives of the Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist and Reformed churches.

Citing the need for an "ecumenism of basics that identifies, reinforces and deepens the common foundation" of Christianity, Kasper said the catechism could be written "in consultation with our partners."