With the Notification just published by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, a long and important inquiry has ended. The book of Father Jacques Dupuis, professor emeritus at the Pontifical Gregorian University, which has been justly recognized for the seriousness of its methodological research, the richness of the scientific documentation, and the originality of its exploration, dares to venture into a dogmatically fundamental area for the future of the interreligious dialogue. The Notification itself recognizes the intent and the efforts of Father Jacques Dupuis to remain within the teaching of the Catholic Faith as enunciated by the Magisterium. In line with the orientations of the document Dominus Jesus, the Notification clearly establishes the limits of this teaching to which the author has tried to adhere even if he has not always succeeded. Thus, the Notification helps the reader to interpret the book according to the doctrine of the Church. On this solidly established dogmatic basis we hope that Father Jacques Dupuis can continue his pioneer research in the field of interreligious dialogue which in his recent Apostolic Letter Novo Millennio Ineunte, John Paul II encourages as a challenge for the evangelization in the third millennium.

Rome, February 26, 2001

Original language: Italian

National Catholic Reporter, Posted March 5, 2001

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