Receptive Ecumenism asks not what other churches can learn from us, but 'what can we learn and receive with integrity from our ecclesial others?' Since the publication of Receptive Ecumenism and the Call to Catholic Learning: Exploring a Way for Contemporary Ecumenism (OUP, 2008), this fresh ecumenical strategy has been adopted, critiqued, and developed in different Christian traditions, and in local, national, and international settings, including the most recent bilateral dialogue of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC III). The thirty-eight chapters in this new volume, by academics, church leaders, and ecumenical practitioners who have adopted and adapted Receptive Ecumenism in various ecclesial and cultural contexts, show how Receptive Ecumenism has grown and matured.
Part One demonstrates how Receptive Ecumenism itself is capable of being received with integrity into very different ecclesiologies and ecclesial traditions. In Part Two, this approach to transformative ecumenical learning is applied to some recurrent ecclesial problems, such as the understanding and practice of ministry, revealing new insights and practical opportunities. Part Three examines the potential and challenges for Receptive Ecumenism in different international settings. Part Four draws on scripture, hermeneutics, and pneumatology to offer critical reflection on how Receptive Ecumenism itself implements transformative ecclesial learning.
Addressing the 70th Anniversary of the World Council of Churches, Archbishop Justin Welby, said that 'One of the most important of recent ecumenical developments has been the concept of "Receptive Ecumenism"'. This volume provides an indispensable point of reference for understanding and applying that concept in the life of the Christian churches today.
Paul D. Murray, Professor of Systematic Theology and Dean-Director, Centre for Catholic studies, Durham University, Gregory A. Ryan, Assistant Professor (Research) in Ecclesiology and Receptive Ecumenism, Durham University, Paul Lakeland, Aloysius P. Kelley SJ Professor of Catholic Studies and Director, Center for Catholic Studies at Fairfield University, Connecticut
Paul D. Murray is Professor of Systematic Theology, Dean of Catholic Studies, and founding Director of the Centre for Catholic Studies at Durham University. He served on the Editorial Board of
Concilium International, is a former President of the Catholic Theological Association of Great Britain, a former member of the third phase of work of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC III), on which he continues as consultor, and has also served as consultor to the former Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. In addition to three books, he has contributed numerous essays to leading journals and scholarly collections. His holds an M.Litt (Durham) and a PhD (Cambridge).
Since completing a PhD (Durham, 2018),
Gregory A. Ryan has worked on research projects, teaching, and publications in the fields of Receptive Ecumenism and contemporary Catholic ecclesiology, alongside designing and delivering formation programmes for lay and ordained ministry in the North of England. He was formerly Director of Formation for the Catholic Diocese of Hallam, UK.
Paul Lakeland is the Aloysius P. Kelley S.J. Professor of Catholic Studies and founding Director of the Center for Catholic Studies at Fairfield University, Connecticut, where he has worked since 1981, with roles including chairperson of the Religious Studies Department and director of the Honors Program. In addition to his PhD from Vanderbilt University, he holds degrees in philosophy, divinity, and English. He is the author of ten books, and editor of two more, in the fields of Catholic ecclesiology, cultural theory, and religion and literature. In 2020 he received the Hellwig Award for outstanding contributions to Catholic intellectual life.
