Taufe und Ekklesiologie: Ökumenische Überlegungen.

Baptism may be called an ecumenical sacrament that unites Christians of different denominations. However, neither the precise ecclesiological implications nor the sacramental-theological interpretations of baptism have been clarified yet. Further research will be needed here in order to make progress in ecumenism as a whole. The present article offers reflections on this from a Catholic perspective. First, a systematic-theological approach to the topic is developed (1.). Then, with reference to Vatican II, the basic Catholic position is reconstructed (2.). Finally, the more recent discussion on the connection between baptism and ecclesiology is addressed (3.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]