The Prophetic Duty of the Church: Ecumenical Perspectives

Abstract

The Church, founded in Jesus Christ, is the community of disciples and the people of God. Although it is a mystery, it is also a historical reality situated in time, present in the world as a sign of Christ and responsible for the continuity of his mission, which makes it “for the world.” In this sense, Church and society are intertwined, giving it an essentially “prophetic” responsibility. This article analyzes the “prophetic” as a theological category, its roots in the Hebrew tradition, its expression in the ministry of Jesus, and its development in the New Testament. The investigation, from an ecumenical perspective, draws on Protestant and Catholic theologies, with particular emphasis on the Second Vatican Council and its reception in Latin America. We conclude that the “prophetic” is vital for understanding the Church’s mission, which bears responsibility toward society, especially in the face of radicalism, fundamentalism, and new forms of violence, being called to promote justice, human dignity, and integral liberation.

Keywords: Church. Prophecy. Proclamation. Denunciation. Society.