Ecumenism and Missionary Practices: Proceedings of the 21st Colloquium
Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: Maurice Cheza, Monique Costermans, Jean Pirotte (éds.), Œcuménisme et pratiques missionnaires. Actes du 21e colloque du Centre de recherches et d’échanges sur la diffusion et l’inculturation du christianisme organisé avec la collaboration du Centre Vincent Lebbe
The journal “Archives of Social Sciences of Religions� publishes advanced research on religion in French, English, and Spanish. It studies the sociology of religions and religious traditions or theologies. It is supported by the INSHS-CNRS (“Institut des Sciences Humaines et Sociales�)
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Subtitle: Louvain-la-Neuve, 27-31 août 2000. Paris, Karthala, 2001, 379 p. (tablx.) (coll. « Mémoire d’Églises »)
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Françoise Aubin
Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:
(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly�)
Full text available for: Maurice Cheza, Monique Costermans, Jean Pirotte (éds.), Œcuménisme et pratiques missionnaires. Actes du 21e colloque du Centre de recherches et d’échanges sur la diffusion et l’inculturation du christianisme organisé avec la collaboration du Centre Vincent Lebbe
Year: 2004 | Doi: 10.4000/assr.2202
Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The text discusses the proceedings of the 21st colloquium of the Center for Research and Exchanges on the Dissemination and Inculturation of Christianity, held in Louvain-la-Neuve from August 27 to 31, 2000. Edited by Maurice Cheza, Monique Costermans, and Jean Pirotte, the volume titled "Œcuménisme et pratiques missionnaires" was published in 2001. The work reflects on the significant changes in the global religious landscape, particularly the evolution of ecumenism and missionary practices within Christianity. It captures the interplay between theological reflections, missionary activities, and the impact of social transformations on interfaith dialogues and cooperation among various Christian denominations.
The Evolution of Ecumenism
One of the critical concepts discussed is the evolution of ecumenism, particularly through historical milestones within the World Council of Churches (WCC). The document outlines major assemblies starting from the WCC's foundation in Amsterdam in 1948, through various significant gatherings that showcased the tensions and collaborations between different Christian denominations. Notable events included the assemblies in Uppsala in 1968, which saw an increase in political activism, and Harare in 1998, which highlighted structural challenges faced by the WCC, especially concerning minority churches. The complexities arising from the Catholic Church’s bilateral dialogues, rather than a unified approach within the WCC, further demonstrate the struggles of achieving a cohesive ecumenical mission.
Missiological Collaborations and Challenges
Another significant theme explored is the impact of collaborative missionary efforts and the challenges faced within ecumenical initiatives. The volume highlights various local efforts, such as the collaboration between Catholic and Protestant missionaries in Peru, which ultimately failed, illustrating the difficulties in achieving effective partnership across denominations. Contributions emphasize the necessity of understanding different theological perspectives and the practical implications of such collaborations. Furthermore, the discussions shed light on grassroots-level ecumenical movements in regions such as Cameroon and Madagascar, showcasing both the potential for local partnerships and the persistent barriers posed by differing beliefs and practices among communities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the gathered insights from the colloquium present a nuanced understanding of ecumenism and missionary practices in contemporary Christianity. The various challenges obstructing unity among denominations are juxtaposed against the tangible efforts for cooperation at both institutional and grassroots levels. As highlighted in the discussions, while the road toward genuine ecumenical engagement is fraught with complex historical and theological issues, there remains a commitment among many to pursue dialogue and foster relationships across divides, indicating a hopeful trajectory for future developments in interfaith and intrafaith collaboration.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of the 21st colloquium held in Louvain-la-Neuve?
The colloquium primarily aimed to summarize technical aspects of ecumenism and the events and institutions that have shaped the current understanding of ecumenism since the founding of the World Council of Churches in 1948.
Which significant ecumenical assemblies are mentioned in the document?
The document highlights major assemblies, including Amsterdam (1948), Uppsala (1968), and Harare (1998), discussing their contributions, challenges, and perspectives on ecumenism.
What challenges does the World Council of Churches face according to the document?
Key challenges include structural impediments and voting procedures that disadvantage minority churches, particularly Orthodox churches, highlighting tensions between pragmatic and spiritual orientations.
How has the Catholic Church approached ecumenism differently than others?
The Catholic Church has favored bilateral dialogues instead of broad ecumenical participation, having initiated thirteen dialogues since 1967 while engaging in communal Bible translations to foster cooperation.
What role does grassroots ecumenism play as discussed in the document?
Grassroots ecumenism is illustrated through various local initiatives in countries like Cameroon and Madagascar, showcasing diverse experiences, challenges, and the collaborative efforts of different denominations in practice.
Glossary definitions and references:
Theological and religious glossary list for “Ecumenism and Missionary Practices: Proceedings of the 21st Colloquium�. The list explains important keywords that occur in this and other scholarly articles. It is also linked to the glossary for understanding that concept in the context of History, Religion, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology etc.
1) Religion:
The text discusses how various religious organizations, particularly Christianity, are interconnected, promoting ecumenism through a theological lens. The vital role of religion in shaping societal and individual belief systems is emphasized, especially through missionary practices.
2) Evolution:
[see source text or glossary: Evolution]
3) Language:
In the context of ecumenism, language represents not only the vernacular used in worship but also the communication methodologies that aid in bridging divides between denominations. The use of vernacular languages in Bible translations is one such evolution highlighting language's role in religious practice.
4) Dialogue:
Dialogue is a central theme in ecumenism, emphasizing the importance of conversations between different Christian denominations and religions. The text illustrates various instances where dialogue has facilitated better relationships among churches, particularly in initiatives like joint theological projects.
5) Memory:
The collection of proceedings from the symposium acts as a memory of past ecumenical efforts and their impact on contemporary practice. Memory plays a crucial role in understanding the development and transformation of religious practices.
6) Roman (Roma):
The text details the positions of the Roman Catholic Church in the ecumenical movement, highlighting its preference for bilateral dialogues over broader ecumenical efforts. This illustrates the Roman tradition's impact on contemporary religious collaboration.
7) Pari:
[see source text or glossary: Pari]
8) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformation is a key aspect discussed in the context of both institutional and individual faith practices within Christianity. The proceedings highlight how churches have transformed their approaches to ecumenical collaboration and missionary practices over time.
9) Communication (Communicating, Communicate, Communicated):
Communication plays a crucial role in fostering understanding among different religious groups. The text addresses how effective communication strategies, such as community dialogues and joint publications, have promoted ecumenism and intercultural exchanges.
10) Spiritual:
The spiritual dimension of the symposium addresses the interplay of personal beliefs within the broader ecumenical context. The emphasis on spirituality underscores the internal transformations that faith leaders and laity experience in relation to their practices.
11) China:
[see source text or glossary: China]
12) Joint:
The concept of a joint approach is highlighted in various cooperative efforts mentioned, including the collaborations between Protestant and Catholic denominations. Joint initiatives in dialogue and mission work signify a growing trend in ecumenism.
13) Union:
Union among different Christian denominations is a recurring theme, particularly in the context of historical initiatives leading to the formation of united churches. The idea of unity underscores the aspirations of various groups toward a cohesive Christian identity.
14) New Delhi:
The reference to New Delhi points to one of the significant assemblies of the World Council of Churches, serving as a historical milestone in the evolution of ecumenical dialogue and cooperative efforts among global denominations.
15) Particularity:
Particularity within the ecumenical discourse emphasizes the unique attributes of different churches while fostering a mutual respect. The proceedings reflect on how acknowledging these particularities is vital in dialogue and collaboration.
16) Celebration:
Celebration refers to the communal aspects of worship and the religious calendar, which can facilitate ecumenical gatherings. The shared celebrations across denominations highlight the potential for unity in faith experiences.
17) Reflection:
Reflection is essential for understanding the developments within the ecumenical movement. Various authors in the proceedings engage in reflection to critique and analyze past and present practices in light of ongoing challenges.
18) Experience:
Experience refers to the lived realities of believers and clergy, which shape their understandings of faith and ecumenism. The text emphasizes narratives of shared experiences as pathways to deeper interdenominational understanding.
19) Confession:
Confession denotes the official statements of faith and belief held by various denominations. The text discusses how confessional differences can impact ecumenical dialogue and the efforts to find common ground.
20) Dimension:
The dimension of ecumenism encompasses theological, social, and cultural aspects as explored in the proceedings. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of ecumenical engagement is vital for the understanding of relationships between churches.
21) Existence:
[see source text or glossary: Existence]
22) Mutation:
Mutation highlights the changes and adaptations within the church communities over time. The text reflects on how the landscape of faith has mutated due to social changes, inter-religious dialogues, and evolving theological perspectives.
23) Theology:
Theology is at the heart of many discussions in the proceedings, shaping the understanding of doctrine and practice among various Christian groups. Theological explorations have significant implications on how ecumenical relations evolve.
24) Politics:
Politics intertwines with ecumenism as churches navigate their roles within broader societal contexts, particularly in how they engage with state and governance issues. The influence of political structures on church dynamics is explored in various contributions.
25) Student:
[see source text or glossary: Student]
26) Priest:
The role of the priest within the context of ecumenism reflects the responsibilities of spiritual leaders in fostering unity and dialogue among congregations. The text points to the involvement of various clergy in collaborative initiatives.
27) Delhi:
Referencing Delhi brings attention back to significant assemblies of the World Council of Churches, underscoring its historical importance in ecumenical advancements.
28) India:
India's mention in the context of ecumenical dialogue highlights the diverse religious landscape in which these conversations occur, particularly concerning the assembly held in New Delhi.
29) Kenya:
Kenya is noted in the proceedings as the location for a World Council of Churches assembly, illustrating the global nature of ecumenical efforts that transcend cultural and geographical barriers.
30) Woman (Women):
The role of women in ecumenical movements and their representation in church leadership remains a crucial topic. The proceedings highlight ongoing challenges and progress regarding women's participation in ecumenical dialogues.
31) Dream (Dreaming):
The dream of a united Christian witness is a recurring aspiration among ecumenical advocates, emphasizing the hope for spiritual unity that transcends doctrinal differences.
32) Book:
The text discusses the Bible as a fundamental book for various denominations and how its translation into vernacular languages contributed to ecumenical efforts. The book serves as a source of common ground among believers.
33) Hope:
Hope is a vital theme that permeates ecumenical discourse, as many advocate for a future of enhanced collaboration, understanding, and unity among diverse Christian communities.