In Order to Serve

Ecclesiology is in the center of current ecumenical dialogue. However, this hardly seems to influence theological reflection on church polity. This book explores new avenues in this respect, in an attempt to enhance a truly ecumenical and inter-cultural approach of the theological discipline of church polity, without neglecting its juridical character. Key issues like liturgy and ordained ministry are featured, as well as concepts like missional church, synodality, episcopacy, and many others. Examples from Roman Catholic and Anglican canon law as well as from a number of Protestant church orders clarify the issues at stake. Finally, its contextual approach stimulates new reflection on church - state relationships. Does a deeper ecumenical understanding of the nature and mission of the church foster a renewal of church polity?

Autorentext

Dr. Leo J. Koffeman (1948) is Professor of Church Polity and Ecumenism at the Protestant Theological University (Amsterdam). He is a member of the Faith and Order Commission.