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 As a part of the reception process of the convergence document The Church: Towards a Common Vision (TCTCV), the ecclesiology study group of the WCC Commission on Faith and Order undertook a wide range of conversations on global Christianity and ecclesiology. This  included perspectives from various regions (especially Asia, Africa, and Latin America), denominational families (such as evangelical, Pentecostal, Charismatic, and independent churches), and forms of being church (such as ecclesial movements, new forms of monasticism, and online churches) which have not always been clearly or strongly represented in the discussions on the way to TCTCV. 

This first of two volumes offers a taste of the insights, contributions, lively dialogue, diverse perspectives, and mutual exchange of ecumenical gifts between the members of the commission and theologians from  around the world, which took place through a series of international consultations between 2015-22.

The fruit of this work is offered with the hope that it will contribute towards a clearer, global vision of the Church in the 21st century.

Donald Norwood traces the history of the World Council of Churches from its roots in pre-World War I Europe through the story of its ten successive assemblies. Published in the Council’s 70th anniversary year, this is a timely reminder not only of WCC’s rich history but also of its significance for member churches and the broader world in the 21st century.

“Receiving one another in the name of Christ”—

In the time and spirit of the Second Vatican Council, in 1965 a joint working group between the Roman Catholic Church and the World Council of Churches was inaugurated. It has served as a catalyst to fruitful collaborations between the two bodies, supported the ecumenical endeavours of each other, and launched special projects of its own.

Modern ecumenism often traces its roots back to the 1910 World Missionary Conference in Edinburgh. "Celebrating a Century of Ecumenism" brings readers up to date on one hundred years of global dialogue between many different church traditions, including Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Evangelical, Orthodox, Baptist, Disciples of Christ, Oriental Orthodox, and more. Eighteen essays by authors representing a wide spectrum of denominational interests outline the achievements of this movement toward unity.