"The world needs people with Christian passion, spiritual commitment, theological competence and persistence to recapture and rearticulate a biblically well-grounded ecumenical vision and what it implies for the unity of the church in the context of world Christianity in the decades to come." -- Olav Fykse Tveit, General Secretary, World Council of Churches *** In an era when life itself is imperiled, Christians around the world are challenged to authentically bear witness to the God of life and to justice and peace. Ecumenical Visions for the 21st Century - prepared as a core resource for theological reflection - equips Christians to discern and develop relevant and responsible insights in many arenas of Christian engagement. The anthology includes 44 key documents from the last two decades of ecumenical work, most in full texts. It illuminates the changing face and features of world Christianity, with particular focus on Asian Christianity and Christianity in Korea, and it highlights important ecumenical convergences in Christian unity, mission, advocacy, and service. Additionally, the book presents the latest and best ecumenical thinking about Christian engagement on issues of justice and peace, poverty, the economy, education, gender, climate change, migration, HIV and AIDS, and interreligious encounter. A full bibliography and CD-ROM with 20 supplemental readings are also included.

"For twenty years, the delegated representatives of the Orthodox, Protestant, Anglican, Evangelical, Pentecostal and Roman Catholic churches...have sought to uncover a global, multilateral and ecumenical vision of the nature, purpose, and mission of the Church." -- from the Preface *** What can be done in order for the Church of the Triune God to grow deeper in communion, to strive further for justice and peace in the world, and to overcome together past and present divisions? The Church: Towards a Common Vision proposes a remarkable answer to this question. Developed by theologians from a wide range of Christian traditions and cultures, this book addresses first the Church's mission, unity, and its being in the Trinitarian life of God. It then discusses the need for growth in communion - in apostolic faith, in sacramental life, and in ministry - as churches divinely called to live in and for the world. (Series: Faith and Order)

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.

The Ecumenical Movement of the 20th century saw the formation all around the world of voluntary associations of separated and autonomous Christian churches in a defined geographical area which have sought to manifest their fellowship with one another, engage in common witness and service, and advance towards the goal of visible unity. At the dawn of the 21st century, many of these councils of churches face difficult times. This lively introduction describes the history and theological basis of these bodies, notes the tensions often arising within them and discusses three specific contemporary challenges: the proposal that ecumenical organisations should expand to become inter-religious bodies, the development of ecumenical leadership, and the relationship between spirituality and ecumenism. This book is about councils of churches and the people who are part of them. How do councils look when they correspond to the ecumenical vision? What qualities are desirable in volunteer and professional ecumenical leaders? What are the spiritual marks and fruits of ecumenical commitment? In what ways should councils address the relationship between Christian churches and people of other faiths? Here is a book that will help in the ongoing process of calling Christians to reframe their picture. Shared life is the norm. Division demands explanation. A unique resource for anyone interested in ecumenism.

Advancing strong, scholarly discussion on the Holy Spirit and the church in the context of the ecumenical movement, six theologians in five different churches offer new theological and pastoral insights into the work of the Holy Spirit in the churches of Christianity, in ecumenism, and in witness. With The Church: Towards a Common Vision (World Council of Churches) document serving as a common point of reference, a pastoral perspective is distinctive throughout. Relating theology to non-theological knowledge of the contemporary cultural context, as well as application to pastoral practice, this book draws from, and is applicable to, clergy formation, preaching, lay discipleship, church-world relations, social mission, congregational life, grass-roots ecumenical cooperation, and witness to Christ and the gospel by racial minorities.