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Ecumenical Theology Today
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Ecumenical Theology Today

A special issue of Religions (ISSN 2077-1444). This special issue belongs to the section "Religions and Theologies".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 November 2023) | Viewed by 10136

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Przemysław Kantyka

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Protestant Theology, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
Interests: post-Reformation theology (mainly Anglican, Methodist & Baptist); issues of ecumenical dialogues and reception of their results; theological anthropology; ecclesiology; Mariology; doctrinal and social activities of the World Council of Churches.

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The ecumenical movement, and with it ecumenical theology, is now more than a century old. Over this period, it has undergone a long journey of development. The meaning of ecumenical commitment and the purpose of ecumenical endeavour has been refined in the various denominational churches. The multifaceted development of ecumenical dialogues has produced a multiplicity of dialogue documents, few of which, however, have reached the status of interchurches agreements. There has also been a development of multi-confessional dialogues within ecumenical organisations such as the World Council of Churches and the World Christian Forum, among others. Despite the undoubted development of doctrinal dialogue, it is difficult not to agree with the thesis that the expected visible unity of the Church is not noticeably approaching. On the contrary: many confessional Churches are implementing decisions that distance the prospect of achieving unity soon. These decisions include the acceptance of the ordination of women to the presbyterate and episcopate, the ordination of homosexual persons, the blessing of monogamous couples, or the approach to the whole spectrum of moral and ethical issues, in which the differences in drawing consequences from the anthropological and theological model adopted in a given church become apparent. 

The aim of the discussion undertaken in the forum of the Special Issue of Religions, entitled ‘Ecumenical Theology Today’, will be to identify the current state of ecumenical theology, its achievements, and the challenges it faces. Among the challenges, it will be impossible to avoid the question of the possibility of defining the goal of ecumenical endeavours together within the Christian family, pointing out the elements that hinder the process of moving closer to Christian unity, and outlining ways of overcoming the diagnosed difficulties.

Prof. Dr. Przemysław Kantyka
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 285 KiB  
Article
Theological Intersections: Newman’s ‘Primacy of God’ in Modern Church Discourse
by Paweł Robert Surowiec
Religions 2024, 15(6), 672; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15060672 - 29 May 2024
Viewed by 957
Abstract
This article critically examines the Catholic–Anglican theological dialogue, centering on John Henry Newman’s ‘Primacy of God’, Catholic synodality, and Anglican comprehensiveness. It illuminates the interconnectedness of these elements, revealing their potential to enhance ecumenical conversations. Newman’s concept of communal faith and divine primacy [...] Read more.
This article critically examines the Catholic–Anglican theological dialogue, centering on John Henry Newman’s ‘Primacy of God’, Catholic synodality, and Anglican comprehensiveness. It illuminates the interconnectedness of these elements, revealing their potential to enhance ecumenical conversations. Newman’s concept of communal faith and divine primacy resonates across both traditions, advocating a transformative, experiential spiritual journey. This study juxtaposes Newman’s stance on ecclesiastical authority and doctrinal development with contemporary synodal movements in the Catholic Church, paralleled by Anglican practices like the Lambeth Conferences. This comparison underscores a mutual commitment to participatory governance and theological inclusivity. Ultimately, the study envisions a unified Christian theology, fostering dialogue enriched by diverse traditions and promoting a harmonious convergence within the Christian theological spectrum. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecumenical Theology Today)
12 pages, 271 KiB  
Article
Complexity and Timeliness of the Term “Christendom” for Ecumenical Ecclesiology
by Filip Krauze
Religions 2024, 15(5), 592; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15050592 - 11 May 2024
Viewed by 1153
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to examine whether and why the term “Christendom”, despite its ambiguous historical connotations, can be taken into account in contemporary ecumenical ecclesiology. This will be performed through a linguistic, historical, and theological analysis of the term in [...] Read more.
The purpose of this paper is to examine whether and why the term “Christendom”, despite its ambiguous historical connotations, can be taken into account in contemporary ecumenical ecclesiology. This will be performed through a linguistic, historical, and theological analysis of the term in question. Its uses in the literature and occurrences in the historical contexts have been reviewed. Particularly important in this case turned out to be St. Augustine’s work “The City of God”, excerpts of which shed light on some stereotypes that can place the term “Christendom” in merely political meaning. For correct discourse, one needs, on the one hand, an awareness of the traumas that the community of believers have gone through in the history of humanity along with the entire humanity, and on the other hand, the outright revolution that has taken place in post-conciliar theology. It seems that the term “Christendom” retains its relevance especially in the context of the conciliar images of the Kingdom of God and the theology of the Church of Christ. In another way then, “Christianity” reminds one of the Church’s rootedness in a particular place, time, and culture, providing a tool for the humble contextualization of ecclesiology in the history of humanity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecumenical Theology Today)
11 pages, 210 KiB  
Article
Ecumenical Footprints in Nigeria: Pathways and Detours in Search of Christian Unity
by Michael Konye
Religions 2024, 15(1), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15010106 - 15 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1742
Abstract
The unity of the Persons of the Trinity is the source and highest exemplar of Christian unity which all ecumenical initiatives seek. During his earthly ministry, our Lord Jesus Christ prayed for the unity of Christians (John 17:21). This prayer of Jesus furnishes [...] Read more.
The unity of the Persons of the Trinity is the source and highest exemplar of Christian unity which all ecumenical initiatives seek. During his earthly ministry, our Lord Jesus Christ prayed for the unity of Christians (John 17:21). This prayer of Jesus furnishes us with the fundamental inspiration for the ecumenical movement in all its dimensions of expression. Right from the beginning, the Christian church has experienced rifts in both the West and the East. The modern ecumenical movement is an attempt to restore Christian unity against the background of 16th century divisions attendant upon the Protestant Reformation. It is also conducted in hindsight of the Protestant Reformation that the 19th and 20th century missionary activities of Christian churches from Europe in Nigeria took place. Several historical factors have shaped the successes and failures of significant missionary endeavors. This article highlights a few of those historical factors in a bid to identify the roots of discord and footprints of ecumenism at the beginning of the establishment of Christian churches in Nigeria. The goal intended to be realized through this historical excursus is to engender a livelier ecumenical hope for Christian unity in Nigeria while maintaining the already-achieved progress made so far, as well as countering further divisions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecumenical Theology Today)
11 pages, 225 KiB  
Article
Towards an “Ecumenical” Council Inside of Orthodoxy!
by Nicu Dumitrașcu
Religions 2024, 15(1), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15010048 - 27 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1120
Abstract
Ecumenism is a recurrent theme in Orthodox theological debates, but the syntagma “Orthodox ecumenism” is rarely used because it seems to be very restrictive and inappropriate. However, in exceptional situations, such as a war between two Orthodox peoples, I think it might be [...] Read more.
Ecumenism is a recurrent theme in Orthodox theological debates, but the syntagma “Orthodox ecumenism” is rarely used because it seems to be very restrictive and inappropriate. However, in exceptional situations, such as a war between two Orthodox peoples, I think it might be more than necessary. In the first part of this essay, I will discuss how the mirage of a “third” Rome and the partnership with the Kremlin makes the Russian Church an adversary of ecumenism inside of Orthodoxy. Any Church that blesses a war, aggression, and confrontation and shows imperial tendencies is excluded de facto from the communion with other Churches. In the second part of my work, I will analyze the consequences of the “schism” created by Patriarch Kirill in the bosom of Orthodoxy. What were (or what were not!) the positions of other Orthodox Churches when Patriarch Kirill blessed the war and betrayed the principles of the Gospel of Christ? Why is there a need for a so-called “Ecumenical Orthodox Council” and what are the chances of this happening? Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecumenical Theology Today)
13 pages, 246 KiB  
Article
Ecclesiological Convergences in Recent Multilateral Ecumenical Dialogue
by Andrzej Choromanski
Religions 2023, 14(12), 1514; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14121514 - 7 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1233
Abstract
This article discusses the topic of the Church in the multilateral international theological dialogue conducted by the Faith and Order Commission (FOC) of the World Council of Churches (WCC), which in 2013 published a “convergence statement” entitled “The Church. Towards a Common Vision” [...] Read more.
This article discusses the topic of the Church in the multilateral international theological dialogue conducted by the Faith and Order Commission (FOC) of the World Council of Churches (WCC), which in 2013 published a “convergence statement” entitled “The Church. Towards a Common Vision” (TCTCV), which gave a fresh impetus to the ecclesiological debate that has been taking place in the ecumenical movement for many decades. The document demonstrates that despite continuing differences among “confessional” ecclesiologies, there exists a converging vision of the Church, its nature, mission, and unity among all Christian traditions. This paper is divided into two parts: the first part dedicated to the TCTCV statement and the second part dedicated to the process of its reception during the last decade. Part one includes an introduction to the long study process within the Faith and Order Commission that led to the production of TCTCV, explains its ecumenical significance, presents its structure and content, and outlines some of the themes that are central to its vision of the Church, such as communion (koinonia), sacramentality, and the missionary vocation. Part two presents different stages of the reception process of TCTCV in the churches and in the FOC and addresses some of the issues that were identified as vital for the future ecumenical dialogue on the Church such as the meaning of communion (koinonia), visible unity, mutual recognition, ministries, baptismal ecclesiology, legitimate diversity, and others. This paper expresses the hope for the continuation of dialogue on the basis of the results already achieved as a necessary way of strengthening ecclesial communion among the churches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecumenical Theology Today)
9 pages, 228 KiB  
Article
Ecumenical Formation in Theological Education: A Precondition for Ecumenical Encounter and a Tool for Ecumenical Reception
by Johannes Oeldemann
Religions 2023, 14(12), 1461; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14121461 - 26 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1727
Abstract
For many decades, Christian churches have engaged in ecumenical dialogues addressing church-dividing issues and trying to overcome them. Many valuable texts have emerged from these dialogues, but they are hardly known in the churches. One reason for this is that “ecumenism” is rarely [...] Read more.
For many decades, Christian churches have engaged in ecumenical dialogues addressing church-dividing issues and trying to overcome them. Many valuable texts have emerged from these dialogues, but they are hardly known in the churches. One reason for this is that “ecumenism” is rarely a topic in theological education. The article asks why this is so and argues for including ecumenical formation in theological studies. It highlights various initiatives that have pursued this goal and provides examples of cross-denominational theological education. Cultivating awareness and sensitivity among the younger generation of theologians towards ecumenical concerns is a precondition for promoting ecumenical encounter and applying the results of ecumenical dialogues to the life and the teaching of the churches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecumenical Theology Today)
11 pages, 306 KiB  
Article
Receptive Ecumenism as a Way Forward: An Eastern Orthodox Perspective
by Viorel Coman
Religions 2023, 14(10), 1297; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14101297 - 16 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1298
Abstract
Receptive ecumenism is one of the most important contemporary methodologies of inter-Christian dialogue. The theological vision behind the concept of receptive ecumenism is a valuable source of inspiration for the revitalization of the culture of dialogue within and between our churches and societies. [...] Read more.
Receptive ecumenism is one of the most important contemporary methodologies of inter-Christian dialogue. The theological vision behind the concept of receptive ecumenism is a valuable source of inspiration for the revitalization of the culture of dialogue within and between our churches and societies. Receptive ecumenism has the potential to transform closed and exclusivist identities into open and mutually constitutive realities, which value highly the theological and spiritual riches of the Christian other and learn from them. This article argues that, even though the notion of receptive ecumenism has been elaborated by a Western Catholic theologian (Paul Murray), its implementation by Eastern Christianity should not be seen as the adoption of a methodology foreign to the ethos and spirituality of Orthodox faith. The article shows that the vision and practice of receptive ecumenism resonate with the main doctrinal formulations of Orthodox Christianity (Trinitarian theology, Christology, and eschatology). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecumenical Theology Today)
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