Can a Renewal Movement Be Renewed?
Questions for the Future of Ecumenism
- Church Leadership & Ministry
- Publisher: Eerdmans
- Published: 2014
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Publisher's Description
There is no doubt that ecumenism occupies a prominent place in the history of the church in the twentieth century: countless churches have been renewed through encounter with Christian sisters and brothers in other confessions and cultures. But it is not clear that this ecumenical impulse will continue to figure prominently in the church’s story. In this book Michael Kinnamon argues that the ecumenical movement, which has given such energy and direction to the church, needs to be reconceived in a way that provides renewing power for the church in this era — and he shows how this might happen. He names the problems with ecumenism, identifies strengths and accomplishments upon which the church now can build, and suggests practical, concrete steps we can take in the direction of revitalization, especially at the local level.
Endorsements (8)
“Michael Kinnamon's well-resourced, clear, and thoughtful book reviews past achievements and proposes future directions for American conciliar ecumenism. His very practical, always informative, and sometimes disconcerting observations will challenge readers to deepen their own commitment to Christian unity.”
“Calls us as the body of Christ to be a greater witness to God's shalom and Christ's peace together than we could ever hope to be as separate communities. . . . A helpful vision for a vital church in the twenty-first century.”
“Kinnamon draws on an immense wealth of experience to ask hard questions on what is hindering the ecumenical movement from moving forward as an effective and vital force. His suggestions are affirmative, bold, and clear -- and, perhaps more importantly, doable. This book is a must for any who are honest enough humbly to admit a crisis of diminishing energy in the formal ecumenical movement but are nonetheless committed to the renewal of authentic Christian unity as a central and critical task for gospel witness in today's world!”
“Takes us on a remarkable journey investigating the division between unity and justice among religious movements and institutions. . . . A profoundly important guide.”
“If the road forward for the ecumenical movement is at times murky, Kinnamon here indicates a direction. He celebrates progress and identifies practical next steps on the way. Like the circle of light provided by the headlights of a car on a dark night, we see where next to move.”
“Only a very few in the ecumenical movement today are as qualified as Michael Kinnamon to take on some of the thorny questions that plague the movement in our day, and only a few have the knowledge, commitment, and courage to discuss them the way Kinnamon does in this volume. . . . A must-read for those concerned about the future of the ecumenical movement.”
“Insightful, direct, and greatly invested in the ecumenical movement, Kinnamon helps us traverse the changing ecumenical landscape with concrete steps and a positive, realistic global perspective. Can a Renewal Movement Be Renewed? is a must-read for all who care and want to do something about the revitalization that the church so desperately needs.”
“This book gives us a glimpse into the mind and heart of someone who has earned his place as a valued leader among America's diverse church traditions. It reveals Michael Kinnamon as both teacher and student, as having profound wisdom, humility, and magnanimity — qualities that can guide whole churches into a deeper engagement with each other and into a more dynamic engagement with the world.”
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