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  • Ecumenical Reference Works and Online Resources

    The following are reference and online works in the fields of ecumenical theology, ecumenical dialogues, and ministry. This archival page was last updated in 2015. 

    Reference Works for Ecumenical Studies-updated March 2, 2015

    Friars of the Atonement
    “‘120 seconds of Ecumenism’ and ‘120 Seconds of Ecumenism: Fr. James Puglisi, SA‘ are virtual spaces of ecumenical formation; moments dedicated to reflect on the Ecumenical Movement and on the dialogue among Christian confessions committed to restore the full visible unity of the Church. In the fashion of a short interview, scholars, experts, and Church leaders from various Christian traditions will offer a deepening and updating on the field of Ecumenism, by commenting on ecumenical issues and documents” (from the website).

    The Global Digital Library on Theology and Ecumenism
    The Global Digital Library on Theology and Ecumenism is a multilingual online library offering free access to more than 750,000 full-text articles, journals, books, and other resources. Its focus is on theology, intercultural, and interreligious dialogue, ethics, and ecumenism in World Christianity. GlobeTheoLib was launched in September 2011 as a joint project of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and Globethics.net, together with more than 20 international ecumenical organizations and theological associations” (from the website).

    United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Ecumenical & Interreligious Affairs
    On the Path Toward Christian Unity is a series of 14 brief (3-5 minute) online videos that are intended to introduce various aspects of ecumenism in an accessible and engaging way. Includes an accompanying group discussion and study guide.

    Almen, Lowell G. and Richard J. Sklba, eds. The Hope of Eternal Life: Lutherans and Catholics in Dialogue XI: Common Statement of the Eleventh Round of the U.S. Lutheran-Catholic Dialogue. Minneapolis: Lutheran University Press, 2011.
  The final report of the most recent round of U.S. Lutheran-Roman Catholic Dialogue traces the biblical and historical issues on theological topics around the afterlife, and identifies common affirmations, distinctive teachings, convergences, and challenges on death and intermediate states, judgment, heaven and hell, purgation, prayer for the dead, and indulgences.

    Dictionary of the Ecumenical Movement . 2nd edition. Edited by Nicholas Lossky et al. Geneva : WCC, 2002.

    Disciples of Christ-Roman Catholic International Commission for Dialogue. “The Presence of Christ in the Church, with Special Reference to the Eucharist: Fourth Agreed Statement of the Disciples of Christ-Roman Catholic International Commission for Dialogue, 2003-2009.” Call to Unity Issue 12 (October 2011): 58-74.
The report reiterates the two traditions’ shared commitment to unity, describes Christ’s presence through the world, the church, and the sacraments, finds convergence and differing emphases in Eucharistic theology around real presence and sacrifice, and describes disagreements around episcope and how the ordained represent Christ.

    The Ecumenical Movement: An Anthology of Key Texts and Voices. Edited by Michael Kinnamon and Brian E. Cope. Geneva : WCC; Grand Rapids : Eerdmans, 1997. (updated edition forthcoming 2010)

    Faith and Witness Commission of the Canadian Council of Churches, ed. Liturgies for Christian Unity: The First Hundred Years, 1908-2008. Toronto : Novalis, 2008.

    Growth in Agreement: Reports and Agreed Statements of Ecumenical Conversations on a World Level. Edited by Harding Meyer and Lukas Vischer. New York: Paulist Press, 1984.  An anthology of the official statements of bilateral agreements between denominations up to 1984.

    Growth in Agreement II: Reports and Agreed statements of Ecumenical Conversations on a World Level, 1982-1998.   Edited by Jeffrey Gros, Harding Meyer, William G. Rusch.  Grand Rapids : Eerdmans, 2000. An anthology of the official statements of bilateral agreements between denominations up to 2000.

    Growth in Agreement III: International Dialogue Texts and Agreed Statements, 1998-2005 . Edited by Jeffrey Gros; Thomas F Best; Lorelei F Fuchs. Grand Rapids : Eerdmans, 2007.  An anthology of the official statements of bilateral agreements between denominations up to 2007.

    A History of the Ecumenical Movement : vol. 1: 1517-1948 edited by Ruth Rouse and Stephen C. Neill; vol. 2: 1948-1968 edited by Harold E. Fey. 4 th edition.  Geneva : WCC, 1993.V Vol. 3, 1968-2000 edited by John Briggs, Mercy A. Oduyoye, George Tsetsis,. Geneva : WCC, 2004.  A comprehensive history of the 20th century ecumenical movement, in three volumes.

    International Ecumenical Peace Convocation. “Glory to God and Peace on Earth: The Message of the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation, May 2011.” Call to Unity Issue 12 (October 2011): 44-46.
National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA. “Christian Understanding of War in an age of Terror(ism): A Vision and Study Paper.” Call to Unity Issue 12 (October 2011): 47-57.

    In One Body through the Cross: The Princeton Proposal for Christian Unity. Edited by Carl E. Braaten and Robert W. Jenson. Grand Rapids : Eerdmans, 2003.

    The Ecumenical Future: Background Papers for In One Body through the Cross: The Princeton Proposal for Christian Unity. Edited by Carl E. Braaten and Robert W. Jenson. Grand Rapids : Eerdmans, 2004.

    Matlins, Stuart M. & Arthur J. Magida, eds. How to be a Perfect Stranger: the Essential Religious Etiquette Handbook. 4 th ed. Woodstock , Vt. : SkyLight Paths Pub., c2006.
 A handbook of practical advice for attending worship services in denominations and other religions, such as: basic beliefs of that tradition, in what portions of a service a visitor may participate, what books are used, who officiates, what is appropriate attire, whether contributions are expected, etc.

    Rusch, William G. Ecumenical Reception: Its Challenge and Opportunity. Philadelphia: Fortress, 2007. A key work on how to integrate ecumenical agreements into the life of the church.

    World Council of Churches, Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, and the World Evangelical Alliance. “Christian Witness in a Multi-Religious World: Recommendations for Conduct.” The Ecumenical Review 63:3 (October 2011): 347-352.
The culmination of a five-year study process, this statement is intended to provide a practical model for churches and mission boards to use in developing local guidelines for witness and mission with those of other faiths and those without a faith affiliation.

    World Council of Churches Central Committee. “An Ecumenical Call to Just Peace.” Call to Unity Issue 12 (October 2011): 37-43.
This text was “received, endorsed and commended for reflection, collaboration and common action” by the Central Committee in February 2011.

    World Council of Churches Commission of the Churches on International Affairs Working Group on Social Justice and Common Goods. “Social Justice and Common Goods: Policy Paper.” The Ecumenical Review 63:3 (October 2011): 330-342.