To engage in ecumenism and common witness is always a challenge when one church predominates in a... more To engage in ecumenism and common witness is always a challenge when one church predominates in a society. In the case of many Latin American countries, the Catholic Church is both historically and demographically dominant, and often has a history of special relations with the states. Protestants, on the other hand, come mostly from evangelical and Pentecostal traditions with little ecumenical history or motivation. This article outlines some of the 20th century history of the churches in Chile against the background of the reception of Vatican II, and especially its leadership on religious freedom and ecumenism. Social and political events in Chile, as well as the particular demography and history of its Christianity, make this a unique context for ecumenical development. Some of these factors and the churches' responses are outlined as resources for global Christian reflection on mission, unity and society.
When one church predominates in any society, ecumenism is notoriously difficult. Colombia is no e... more When one church predominates in any society, ecumenism is notoriously difficult. Colombia is no exception. The 1991 Constitution disestablished the Catholic Church and subsequent decisions create a new legal situation for the churches together. These changes, along with the particular Protestant bodies in Colombia, the climate of civil conflict, the unique history of the country and the diversity of its peoples create a new context in which the challenge of ecumenism develops. This essay is an outsider's perspective on the contextual development of ecumenism, its hopes and challenges, in the current situation. The time has come for common witness to replace competition.
This essay discusses some of the stages in the pilgrimage toward full, visible unity among the Ch... more This essay discusses some of the stages in the pilgrimage toward full, visible unity among the Christian churches. In recent decades, the language of "full communion" has been used to describe the visible unity that has been achieved. Such unions are of theological significance for all Christians. Faith and Order, within both the World Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches (U.S.), is an ideal venue for theological reflection on these ecclesiological developments. In order to focus this survey, this essay reviews (1) the functions of Faith and Order, (2) the uses of full communion, and (3) suggested contributions that Faith and Order can make.
To engage in ecumenism and common witness is always a challenge when one church predominates in a... more To engage in ecumenism and common witness is always a challenge when one church predominates in a society. In the case of many Latin American countries, the Catholic Church is both historically and demographically dominant, and often has a history of special relations with the states. Protestants, on the other hand, come mostly from evangelical and Pentecostal traditions with little ecumenical history or motivation. This article outlines some of the 20th century history of the churches in Chile against the background of the reception of Vatican II, and especially its leadership on religious freedom and ecumenism. Social and political events in Chile, as well as the particular demography and history of its Christianity, make this a unique context for ecumenical development. Some of these factors and the churches' responses are outlined as resources for global Christian reflection on mission, unity and society.
When one church predominates in any society, ecumenism is notoriously difficult. Colombia is no e... more When one church predominates in any society, ecumenism is notoriously difficult. Colombia is no exception. The 1991 Constitution disestablished the Catholic Church and subsequent decisions create a new legal situation for the churches together. These changes, along with the particular Protestant bodies in Colombia, the climate of civil conflict, the unique history of the country and the diversity of its peoples create a new context in which the challenge of ecumenism develops. This essay is an outsider's perspective on the contextual development of ecumenism, its hopes and challenges, in the current situation. The time has come for common witness to replace competition.
This essay discusses some of the stages in the pilgrimage toward full, visible unity among the Ch... more This essay discusses some of the stages in the pilgrimage toward full, visible unity among the Christian churches. In recent decades, the language of "full communion" has been used to describe the visible unity that has been achieved. Such unions are of theological significance for all Christians. Faith and Order, within both the World Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches (U.S.), is an ideal venue for theological reflection on these ecclesiological developments. In order to focus this survey, this essay reviews (1) the functions of Faith and Order, (2) the uses of full communion, and (3) suggested contributions that Faith and Order can make.
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Papers by Jeffrey Gros