61. Ecclesiality and Ecumenism: Yves Congar and the Road to Unity, by Douglas M. Koskela. ISBN 13: 978-087462-738-1 & ISBN 10: 0-87462-738-9. Paper. 174 pp. Bibliography. Index. $22
The ecumenical movement currently faces a number of notable challenges. While relations between Christian communities improved significantly over the course of the 20th century, partners in ecumenical dialogues often brought to the table fundamentally different conceptions of the nature of the church. Thus, the problem of "ecclesiality" has emerged as an especially pressing issue for contemporary ecumenism. Fresh reflection on what makes the church legitimately the church will hold considerable promise for revitalizing efforts toward Christian unity.
This book explores the contributions of the French Dominican theologian Yves Congar on the question of ecclesiality with an eye to their ongoing ecumenical potential. A pioneer of Catholic ecumenism, Congar's rich vision of ecclesiality made a substantial impact on the theological understanding of the church. From his early efforts to account theologically for separated Christians to his extended reflections on the Holy Spirit after the Second Vatican Council, this critical engagement with Congar offers much-needed resources for the contemporary ecumenical situation.
Douglas M. Koskela, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor of Theology in the School of Theology at Seattle Pacific University. He received his doctorate in Religious Studies (Systematic Theology) from Southern Methodist University in 2003 and his MDiv from Duke University Divinity School in 1998. He is the author of numerous articles and chapters.
ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ Press
