Included in this collection of documents from the twentieth-century ecumenical movement are passages from texts produced by assemblies, conferences, and studies of the World Council of Churches and similar bodies, covering three areas of historical concern within modern ecumenism: faith and order, life and work, and mission and evangelism.
World Council of Churches (WCC) ecumenical affirmation on mission and evangelism, prepared by the Commission on World Mission and Evangelism (CWME), approved as an official statement of the WCC by the Central Committee in Crete, 5 September 2012. Based on a CWME consultation in January 2013, Kochi, India, aiming at translating the new concepts brought by the affirmation into missional actions in local congregations, mission organizations and missiological formation, a practical guide has been produced by the commission. This book is meant to enable reflection, study and application of the new mission statement.
According to the author, "In order to understand the present, and move confidently into the future, one must have an appreciation of the past." The book therefore deals, in a non-technical way, with the theology and history of ecumenism, explains the origins of the main Christian denominations, gives a brief history of the World Council of Churches, and introduces some of the current issues. Ecumenical ethics and inter-religious dialogues form the subjects of the two final chapters. The author concludes each chapter with questions for group discussion, and ends the book with suggestions for practical ways in which the ordinary individual can promote ecumenism. Several appendices give useful background information. This book is for the average reader or student of theology who would like to be better informed about ecumenism.
What is the World Council of Churches? This illustrated introduction answers that question. It explores the WCC's nature as a 'fellowship of churches', the areas and concerns which are the focus of the Council's programmes, the major events of its history, the contribution it has made to Christian thought, and its relations with churches and other organizations. The final chapter asks whether the World Council really matters, and includes discussion of criticisms levelled against it.
This book is a harvest of the ecumenical work done to advance economic, social and ecological justice since the 9th assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Porto Alegre till the 10th WCC assembly in Busan. It outlines the milestones in the journey leading up to the Bogor statement on "Economy of life, justice and peace for all," also included in this volume.
An overview of the history, content and future of the modern ecumenical movement, with particular attention to Catholic leadership and the results of dialogues among the churches. +
The essays in this book explore varieties of baptismal practice today, address the continuing problem of 're-baptism', offer fresh perspectives on the relation between baptism and Christian ethics, and call the churches to draw the full implications for Christian unity of their 'mutual recognition of baptism'. Baptism, the birthright common to all Christians, is a cornerstone of the ecumenical movement. Continuing the dialogue among liturgists, theologians, church musicians and pastors begun in So We Believe, So We Pray (WCC, 1995), this book focuses on baptism in relation the unity of the church. Exploring patterns of baptismal practice today, it includes striking examples of inculturation from around the world. It also insists on the link between liturgy and life. With contributions from Gordon Lathrop, Anscar Chupungco, OSB and Janet Crawford, this book is an important resource for everyone concerned with baptism, worship, the life of the church and the ecumenical movement today.
Walking together in faith and solidarity - What does it mean to go on pilgrimage? And further: what does it mean for Christians around the world to understand their discipleship in terms of pilgrimage in God's realm of justice and peace? This engaging and inspiring volume, developed by the Theological Study Group of the World Council of Church's Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace, takes stock of the spiritual, social, and theological meanings of this global ecumenical initiative and its relevance to different regional, confessional, and generational contexts. The thirteen contributions are enlivened by personal stories of the authors and perspectives of the traditions they represent, and the volume offers constructive ways in which Christians can renew their notion of what it means to be authentically church today. "Our journey of faith is personal yet never fully private. In fact, our relationship with God draws us ever closer to those around us, learning from and accountable to those in need and those who live at the margins. This volume shows us what it means to live as pilgrims journeying on toward justice, and what it means to see not just ourselves but also our faith communities and our whole life together in this way." - Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, from the Foreword Susan Durber is a minister of the United Reformed Church in the UK and Moderator of the WCC Commission on Faith and Order. Her publications include Preaching like a Woman (SPCK, 2007) and Surprised by Grace: Parables and Prayers (URC, 2013). Fernando Enns is an ordained minister from the Mennonite Church, Germany, and Professor of Peace Theology and Ethics at the Free University of Amsterdam. He also directs the Institute for Peace Church Theology at Hamburg University, Germany, and serves on the central committee of the WCC. Among his related publications is Just Peace: Ecumenical, Intercultural, and Interdisciplinary Perspectives (Pickwick, 2013).
The world Methodist community now numbers over 75 million people in more than 130 countries. The story of Methodism is fascinating and multi-faceted because there are so many distinct traditions within it, some stemming directly from Britain and some arising in the United States. In this book, the authors address the issue of what holds all Methodists together and examine the strengths and diversity of an influential major form of Christian life and witness. They look at the ways in which Methodism has become established throughout the world, examining historical and theological developments, and patterns of worship and spirituality, in their various cultural contexts. The book reflects both the lasting contributions of John and Charles Wesley, and the on-going contribution of Methodism to the ecumenical movement and inter-religious relations. It offers both analysis and abundant resources for further study.
