The Church and the Churches Toward an Ecumenical Ecclesiology [Paperback]

This book tackles the history of important ecclesiological issues across the denominational board.Many of the questions churches are asking today about their relationship to one another and the goal of unity have a very long history. G. R. Evans tells the story of the way these questions have arisen, and discusses the reasons why they can be so hard to answer in modern times.Many of the questions churches are asking today about their relationship to one another and the goal of unity have a very long history. G. R. Evans tells the story of the way these questions have arisen, and discusses the reasons why they can be so hard to answer in modern times.Many of the questions individual churches are asking today about their relationship to one another and the goal of unity among them have a very long history. This book tells the story of the way these questions have arisen and discusses why they can be so hard to answer in modern times. The author asks what we mean by a church and how different Christian bodies have understood the way a church is related to the Church. The concept of communion is discussed, which looks ecumenically hopeful as a guide to the way forward.Preface; Acknowledgements; Abbreviations; Introduction; 1. Local and universal; 2. Ecclesial identity; 3. Diversity; 4. Restoring to order; 5. Decision-making; 6. Communion; Conclusion; Selected bibliography; Index. ...an important work. Evan's thorough knowledge of history and her familiarity with the present ecumenical scene combine to make an invaluable contribution to ecumenical ecclesiology. Theological Studies ...Evans has provided a strikingly full survey of many of the central issues in ecumenical ecclesiology. Modern Theology ...a formidable work. Evans is widely read, ranging back and forth from Augustine to the World Council and John Paul II, Joseph Ratzinger to the Rastafarians....a product of impeccable and prodigious scholarship, and scrupulously impartial. Donald Nugent, Chl£Ý