Christian Community Now

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.

'Christian Community Now: Ecclesiological Investigations is a thoughtful and at times quite profound offering to ecumenical work on ecclesiology. It will be of particular interest to scholars who are similarly frustrated by the limitations of ecclesiologies reflecting churches absorbed with internal issues of survival or seemingly unable to respond to contemporary challenges such as pluralism or secularism.' Natasha Klukach --Sanford Lakoff "Ecumenical Review ", Mention Book News, November 2008, Mention --Book News, November 2008, Mention -Book News, November 2008

Gerard Mannion is Associate Professor in Theology and Religious Studies at Liverpool Hope University, UK. Revd Dr Paul M. Collins, a priest in the Church of England, Reader in Theology at the University of Chichester. Gareth Powell, a Methodist Minister is currently the Methodist Chaplain to Cardiff University. Powell has wide experience of the issues that arise in ecumenical debate as a member of the Methodist-Roman Catholic Conversations and Chair of The Methodist Church Committee for Local Ecumenical Development. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Methodism and Canon Law. Kenneth Wilson is currently Visiting Research Fellow, Canterbury Christ Church University, and Chichester University. His publications cover: Making Sense of It (Epworth); Focus on God (with Frances Young, Epworth); Freedom and Grace (ed. with Ivor Jones, Epworth); Readings in Church Authority (ed. with Gerard Mannion, Richard Gaillardetz and Jan Kerkhofs, Ashgate, 2003); Learning to Hope (Epworth, 2006).