(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2015) Echeverria, E. J.
This article explores the ecumenical significance of the notion of hierarchy of truths
introduced at the Second Vatican Council. With some assistance from the great
Reformed master of dogmatic and ecumenical theology, G.C. Berkouwer, I show
how there exists an order of priority or hierarchy among truths resulting from their
different relation to the foundation of the Christian faith; how this hierarchy helps us
to understand better what unites and divides Christians in matters of doctrine; why
this notion is wrongly interpreted as a justification of doctrinal indifference, and the
substantive role it may play in ecumenical dialogue when the distinction between
truth and its formulations is properly drawn.