Ecumenical Ecclesiology ─ Possibilitiesand Limits

Abstract

The author discusses the possibilities and limits of an ecumenical ecclesiology, considering it can only be possible if the starting point is the sacrament of Baptism and not a sacramental ecclesiology, based on the Bishop consecrated in the apostolic succession, as the Catholic and Orthodox Churches profess. He begins by exposing the relationship between understanding the Evangelical Church as a true church and its relation to ecumenism. Next, he shows that the Catholic Church, in adopting an inclusive attitude, overcame ecclesiological exclusiveness. He also recognizes in Baptism the basic bond of unity between the Churches. Finally, he concludes by displaying twelve theses as possible elements of an ecumenical ecclesio-logy, from which it would be possible to propose an "ecumenical ecclesiology."