Leaning into the Spirit Ecumenical Perspectives on Discernment and Decision-making in the Church

This book contains fresh insights into ecumenism and, notwithstanding claims of an “ecumenical winter,” affirms the view that we are actually moving into a “new ecumenical spring.” It offers new theological insights in the areas of Christology, Pneumatology and Trinitarian theology, and discusses developments in ecumenism in the USA, UK, Australia, India, and Africa, as well as in ecumenical institutions such as the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Anglican Roman Catholic Commission (ARCIC). 

1.            Introduction – Virginia Miller and David Moxon

SECTION ONE - The Spirit of Ecumenism: Theological Impulses

2.            Spirit Christology: Rethinking Christo-Centric Theology – Michael Welker

3.            God’s Spirit, the Human Spirit, and the Outpouring of the Spirit – Michael Welker

4.            Theological Horizons for an Ecumenical Future: a response to Michael Welker – Stephen Pickard

5.            A Critical Reflection of the Role of 'Context' in Discernment, Decision-making, and Reception – Mary-Anne Plaatjies-Van Huffel

6.            Receptive Ecumenism in Africa: Lessons Learned from the Actual Faith of Everyday Christians – Stan Chu Ilo

7.            Ecumenical Thrusts for Discernment from the Perspectives of the Indian Subcontinent – Paul Pulikkan

8.            Chiara Lubich and Decision-making: a Spiritual Methodology of Mutual Reception Based on Christ Crucified and Forsaken – Callan Slipper

SECTION THREE - Receiving through Dialogue: Past and Present

9.            The Church Local, Regional and Universal: A Delicate Balance. A Recent Ecclesiological Statement of ARCIC III - Adelbert Denaux

10.          United not Absorbed: The Malines Conversation Revisited – Keith Pecklers

11.          The Anniversary of the Reformation as a Moment for Ecclesial Learning – Gerard Kelly

12.          Receptive Ecumenism in the Context of Bilateral Dialogues - Ray Williamson

SECTION FOUR - The Spirit of Convergence: A Way Forward? 

13.          Reconciling Theology – Three Concepts for Convergence – Paul Avis

14.          A Ministry of Mary? The Question of the Ordination of Women Revisited in Light of the Theology of Complementarity – Virginia Miller

15.          Ecumenism for a Global Church: Can the Churches of the West and those of the Global South Learn From Each Other? – Thomas Rausch

16.          Discerning the Call of the Spirit to Theological-Ecclesial Renewal: Notes on Being Reasonable and Responsible in Receptive Ecumenical Learning – Paul D. Murray

17.          Does Receptive Ecumenism Have a Future? – Peter Carnley