TOMÁŠ BUTTA
CÍRKEV ČESKOSLOVENSKÁ HUSITSKÁ
CHRISTIAN MINISTRY: ITS SACRAMENTAL AND PASTORAL CHARACTER AND SOME RELATED
CONTEMPORARY ISSUES
Abstract: The main theme of this paper is pastoral ministry in its theological and practical
understanding and in terms of some contemporary issues. Traditionally, pastoral ministry has
been dealt with by pastoral theology, which has its origins in the Roman Catholic Church. In the
Czechoslovak Hussite Church, the pastoral ministry was reflected in particular by Otto Rutrle
and Milan Salajka. The clerical vocation is linked to the Church—its organism and mission. From
the history of the priesthood, attention is paid to the writings and opinions of John Chrysostom,
Jan Hus, and Lukáš of Prague. The characteristics of the priestly ministry and its tasks in the
Czechoslovak Hussite Church are determined by theology and orders. The weight of the
priesthood rests upon its liturgical and sacramental role. In the current discussion, three models
emerge: the renewal of territorial pastoral care, the creation of spiritual centres, or a chaplaincy
ministry that is open to all. The shape of pastoral ministry in the future is closely related to the
development and transformation of the churches in society in a particular time and situation.
Keywords: pastoral ministry; contemporary theology; priesthood; sacramental; chaplaincy; Antonín
Skočdopole; Otto Rutrle; Milan Salajka; Pavel Ambros
THEOLOGICAL REVIEW, Vol. 94, 2023, No. 1 – 2, Number of Article 1, p. 8 – 16.
DOI: 10.14712/12117617.94.1-2.1