Abstract

This chapter explores—through the lens of Protestant observers of Vatican II—how the Second Vatican Council has been perceived by Protestant theologians and the emerging theological convergences in the texts of Vatican II concerning some of the main issues that separate these two church traditions. It notes a general positive change of attitude on the Roman Catholic side toward the churches of the Reformation, but also indicates some matters that remain problematic from a Protestant perspective, especially the fact that the texts of Vatican II have obviously been open to different interpretations. Common efforts on both sides are necessary in the future in order to build on the ground prepared by Vatican II.