A Tactical Ecumenism of Shared Eucharistic Fasting?

Abstract

Inspired by autoethnography, the article discusses experiences of joint worship between Lutherans and Catholics. Engaging the work of Michel de Certeau, I argue that both ecumenical strategies and ecumenical tactics are ways towards greater unity. Seeing the importance of ecumenical tactics in navigating the liturgy, I suggest that Durheim and Turnboolm’s concept of tactical ecumenism should be expanded to include a critical discussion of ecumenical tactics. Through a short personal narrative, I explore three ecumenical tactics that create spaces of unity. The article concludes with a discussion of possible tactical responses to the question of joint worship and Eucharistic sharing. I especially look at the ecumenical tactic of Eucharistic fasting and a possible sharing of the Eucharistic fast. Through these tactics Catholics and Lutherans can jointly acknowledge the existing division in hope of greater visible unity to come.