I agree, though the concept is implied at least, and can be proven with very little extrapolation.
It is an important subject for us both, as it does demonstrate a reasonable conceptual foundation in the Word, something the Protestants are agreeable toward, and use a good bit of Catholic tradition to expand upon.
This sort of 'Foundation in the Word' is the proof that Protestants look for, and stands against those who would accuse us of denying tradition in it's totality. It also stands against those who would say that Protestant 'sola scriptura' is unreasoning.
And yet, "very little extrapolation" is still "extrapolation," and beyond sola scriptura.
Good post there. I think what Pope Benedict is trying to tell Protestants of the historic Confessions to not move away from the Creedal formulas that were embraced by the main Protestant Confessions (Anglican, Lutheran and Reformed). Why does he state this? Because as long as those groups don’t deviate from those points, legitimate discussion can proceed. On the other hand, if what is going on in the Anglican Communion does not stop, dialogue with them will no longer even be possible.
So lets say the Pope and Patriarch of Constantinopile agree to re-unite. With the exception of the Primacy of the Bisop of Rome, not that Rome has such a primacy, there are no other major hurdles to overcome. Now, I will acknowledge that from The Eastern Orthodox perspective, the nature of the Primacy of the Church of Rome and how it would be excercised in a Fully Re-united Catholic and Orthodox Church, but after that point, the other issues such as the Western definition of original sin, purgatory, Immaculate conception could be reconciled and be expressed in Eastern Theological formulas since for example, the Eastern Orthodox pray for the dead in their Liturgies, a practice in the Catholic Church as well and one consistent with the notion of Purgatory.
If you notice Pope Benedict did, he greeted the Orthodox Delegation first. That is not inconsequential and reflects the priority and recognition that the Eastern Orthodox have the first place in ecumencial discussions with Rome. However, you will notice that the Lutherans were greeted next, which tells you that from Pope Benedicts perspective, the Lutherans have maintained a closer connection to the ancient Creeds and Catholic Tradition than other Protestants. I think the Methodist and Reformed were greeted next, and then note that the Baptist and the Pentecostals were greeted. The Episcopalians were greeted last, which tells you that Pope Benedict sees the ordination of Schori as the Leader of TEC as problematic, and the fact that many of the TEC doctrines with respect to Christology, Trinity, sexual morality, etc are inconsistent with orthodox Christian Doctrine.
So, given what I wrote above, I think Pope Benedict sees reapproachment with the Lutherans as a greater possibility than the Anglican communion, save maybe the Anglicans in the Global south who are basically breaking communion with Rowan Williams, the Primate of Cantebury and leader of the Anglican Communion. This is a startling turn of events because after Vatican II, the Primate of Cantebury Ramsey and Pope Paul VI agree to work for Full Corporate Re-union and there were thoughts that it was better than 50/50 it could happen. Of course, the Anglican Communions decision to ordain women, despite the protest from Rome, resulted in a downward spiral in that communion with respect to major Doctrine and as such, many Traditional orthodox Anglicans have formed break away communions from Cantebury, some have come back to Rome, and some have gone to Orthodoxy.
In summary, the Pope was telling Protestants to bind yourself to the doctrines expressed in the Creeds, so that we at least have an agreement on the core Doctrines about the Trinity and Christ.
Regards