"This initial volume in the Rediscovering Vatican II series looks at the relationship between the Catholic Church and other Christian churches (Unitatis Redintegratio - Restoring Christian Unity), and between the Catholic Church and other great religions (Nostra Actate - the Declaration on Interreligious Dialogue)."--BOOK JACKET.

This book proposes that dialogue brings about transformation. Set within the context of Nigeria, Ikenna Paschal Okpaleke contends that this dialogue-induced transformation applies not only to individuals but also to groups, and not only to dialogue in general but also to ecumenical and interreligious dialogue.

How has Christian tradition developed its understanding of the problem of salvation for non-Christians? How do the Christian churches appraise the spiritual values of those other religions whose members collectively make up the majority of mankind? Christianity and the Wider Ecumenism explores the growing shift from efforts toward unity within Christianity to broader, more far-reaching attempts at greater harmony among world religions (the "wider ecumenism"). Editor Peter Phan traces the trend back to the Second Vatican Council (1962-65) but notes that, in the last ten years or so, the movement has become pronounced. in addition to Vatican II, the World Council of Churches has established a Dialogue with People of Living Faiths and ideologies. Also, the growing number of courses on campus in comparative religions testifies to the critical importance of interfaith studies and dialogue in our religiously plural world. Despite resistance by some Christians to this new trend, there is a willingness on the part of others to support the "wider ecumenism," even to abandon any claim to Christ's/Christianity's uniqueness, definitiveness, absoluteness, and superiority. They rightly point to the need for faith in God as Absolute Mystery, to Christian praxis in favor of justice and freedom, and to the enormous historical suffering and conflicts, caused by the myth of Christian uniqueness. They add that we live today in a world village in which dialogue with other religionists and societies, as full equals, is imperative, perhaps for our very survival. Not mere contact but active cooperation and mutual understanding is required now more than ever to deal with urgent global issues involving mass poverty and starvation, religious fanaticism, the threat to the environment, and the omnipresent danger of nuclear destruction. These problems are far too important to be left to governments. The essays in this volume are the Product of fifty leading scholars, from across the Christian spectrum, seeking to clarify and to affirm the immense significance of interreligious dialogue for Christianity in our new planetary society.

Modern ecumenism traces its roots back to the 1910 World Missionary Conference in Edinburgh. Celebrating a Century of Ecumenism brings readers up to date on one hundred years of global dialogue between many different church traditions, including Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Evangelical, Orthodox, Baptist, Disciples of Christ, Oriental Orthodox, and more. Eighteen essays by authors representing a wide spectrum of denominational interests outline the achievements of this movement toward unity. The first part of the book focuses on multilateral dialogue that involved a variety of churches attempting to delineate common ground, with considerable progress reported. The second part describes bilateral discussions between two churches or groups of churches. Celebrating a Century of Ecumenism is one small marker along the way to the unity that many Christians desire, and the report it provides will encourage those involved in ecumenical discussions. Contributors: S. Wesley Ariarajah Peter C. Bouteneff Ralph Del Colle Lorelei F. Fuchs Donna Geernaert Jeffrey Gros Helmut Harder William Henn Margaret O'Gara John A. Radano Cecil M. Robeck Jr. Ronald G. Roberson William G. Rusch Mary Tanner Geoffrey Wainwright Jared Wicks Susan K. Wood

Often the differences between the three Abrahamic religions -- Judaism, Christianity, and Islam -- seem more obvious than their commonalities, leading to the question "Do we worship the same God?" Can the answer be "yes" without denying our differences? This volume brings Jewish, Christian, and Muslim philosophers and theologians together to answer this question, offering rare insight into how representatives of each religion view the other monotheistic faiths. Each of their contributions uniquely approaches the primary question from a philosophical perspective that is informed by the practice of worship and prayer. Concepts covered include "sameness" and "oneness," the nature of God, epistemology, and the Trinity. Do We Worship the Same God? models serious-minded, honest, and respectful interreligious dialogue and gives us new ways to address an ongoing question.

This volume, dedicated to the memory of Gerard Mannion (1970-2019), former Joseph and Winifred Amaturo Chair in Catholic Studies at Georgetown University, explores the topic of changing the church from a range of different theological perspectives. The volume contributors offer answers to questions such as: What needs to be changed in the universal church and in the particular denominations? How has change influenced the life of the church? What are the dangers that change brings with it? What awaits the church if it refuses to change? Many of the essays focus on people who have changed the church significantly and on events that have catalyzed change, for the better or for the worse. Some also present visions of change for particular Christian denominations, whether over the ordination of the women, different approaches to sexuality, reform of the magisterium, and many other issues related to change.

The Power of Forgiveness, Pope Francis on Reconciliation calls the reader to explore the mercy of God, received in a profound way by turning toward God in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This heartfelt collection of the Pope's reflections on the need for repentance, awareness of sin, God's divine mercy, forgiveness of others, and confession and absolution, is a transformative read for Catholics of all vocational states!