Normal ecumenism: Ecumenism for the long haul1. Issue 1 (February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Root, Michael
• Is Part Of: Pro ecclesia. Volume 28:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 60
• Page End: 77
• Publication Date: 2019-02
• Subjects: ecumenism -- punctuated change -- Catholicism; Theology -- Periodicals; Doctrines -- History -- Periodicals; 230.005
• DOI: 10.1177/1063851219829930
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1063-8512

Abstract

Ecumenical change is best understood as punctuated change, in analogy to change in scientific traditions and in evolution. The ecumenical movement represents a moment of punctuated or revolutionary change in church relations. We are now at the point of the emergence of a new normal, post-revolutionary situation in which further breakthroughs are not to be expected and should not be forced. The challenge will be to preserve our ecumenical commitments in such a new normal. For Catholics especially, ecumenical commitment derives from fundamental theological commitments and cannot be abandoned.