Many events were staged and a plethora of new books appeared to mark the quincentenary of the birth of John Calvin, in 2009. But one area received considerably less attention in that anniversary year - namely, Calvin's ecclesiology. This study explores the development and fundamental legacy of Calvin's perspectives on and relationship with the church. Contributions are included which explore the later development and 'denominational variations' of Calvin's ecclesiology, along with ecumenical discussions/responses to and implications of Calvin's understanding of the church. There are further chapters which focus on particular aspects such as Calvin's ecclesiological method, understanding of ministry, the 'sacramental' principle, the 'invisible church' etc. Contributions on the use of Calvin's ecclesiology by later and modern/contemporary ecclesiologists also feature.

This is a volume that brings together leading and emerging theological voices from Europe, North America and Latino America and from across the different theological sub-disciplines. Significantly, the book has a decidedly ecumenical perspective, with writers from several different denominational traditions contributing.

Church and Religious 'Other'

by Dr. Gerard Mannion

Published 25 September 2008
This volume brings together the prestigious speakers at the inaugural Church in Our Times Lecture Series at Liverpool Hope, throughout the first 4 months of 2006, and invited contributors from and addressing wider international contexts Africa, Sri Lanka, India and the United States. The volume explores themes such as questions of ecclesial and religious identity in these post-modern times, the advent of neo-exclusivism, divisions within the contemporary Roman Catholic and Anglicans churches, inter-faith relations and dialogue, questions of sexuality and Christian ministry, contemporary understandings of ecclesial authority, teaching and tradition, the inter-relation between the church and the kingdom of God today, an Asian appraisal of Pope Benedicts first sermon, inculturation and the rhetoric and reality of the notion of Church as Christianitys most distinctive and defining feature and constructive proposals for ecumenical ways forward in the future.
The commonality and coherence of the papers, along with the manner in which a number of them together contribute towards making a cumulative case upon similar issues of concern for the church in our times, constitute a major strength of this collection. This volume will interest faculty and students engaged in the study of the contemporary church, ecumenism, global Christianity, secularity and inter-religious dialogue, as well as appealing to ministers and pastors as well as the general reader excited by the most pressing debates pertaining to the church in these times.

Seeking to bridge the gap between theoretical and practical theology and ecclesiology, this co-authored volume presents an evolving conversation between four significant theologians.This co-authored volume is the outcome of an ecumenical speaking and listening that has involved a continuing conversation between four theologians over a period of more than two years. The scholars are active members of the mainline churches in the UK, Anglican, Methodist and Roman Catholic. They propose that the Church will live as it grows in self-understanding, in the light of the claim that her purpose is to focus attention on God, Creator, Redeemer, and Living Presence. In so doing they address key debates in the US and European contexts, as well as dealing with matters of pressing concern in the wider global church.What does it mean to say that the Church in herself and on behalf of the world bears witness to and celebrates the presence of God in contemporary ethics, worship, governance and mission? The authors have sought to bridge the gap between theoretical and practical theology, and ecclesiology.
Key features are accessibility, the highly pertinent nature of the themes it covers, its academic purpose and its awareness of the parish and ministerial contexts."Ecclesiological Investigations" brings together quality research and inspiring debates in ecclesiology worldwide from a network of international scholars, research centres and projects in the field.