Unity as Prophetic Witness
W. A. Visser 't Hooft and the Shaping of Ecumenical Theology
- History & Biography
- Publisher: Augsburg Fortress
- Published: 2018
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Publisher's Description
Visser 't Hooft and the Shaping of Ecumenical Theology Visser 't Hooft is, perhaps, the most distinguished figure in the modern ecumenical movement, emerging in the postwar decades as a pivotal figure. Under his leadership, the World Council of Churches was officially constituted in 1948 by 147 Protestant and Orthodox Catholic denominations, and the organization grew to include nearly 300 denominations in the following decades. Visser 't Hooft played a major role in the inclusion of churches from communist countries in the World Council, and he also sought to enlarge the role played by African, Asian, and Orthodox churches in the organization. He served as editor of the Ecumenical Review from 1948 to 1966. He was also the author of numerous books on the ecumenical movement and the nature and functions of the church.
Endorsements (4)
“Unity as Prophetic Witness is a clear, concise and thought-provoking volume on the theological convictions and ecumenical insights that motivated one of the architects and pioneers of the ecumenical movement. It is an invaluable resource to anyone interested in ecumenical theology and deserves to be a required text in courses on ecumenism.”
“Is your interest in and energy for Christian unity low? This book, with substantial excerpts crystalizing the teaching and writing of the most influential leader of the ecumenical movement in the 20th century, W. A. Visser 't Hooft, is a multi-vitamin protein shake for laity, clergy, and church leaders to perk energy and action. Kinnamon offers some of the most insightful and motivating reasons for staying the course in the ongoing journey toward Christian unity. With its evaluation of Visser 't Hooft's legacy for our times, this book is high octane fuel for both ecumenical and interreligious relations and can help us find a better balance in the dialectics of unity we face today.”
“From being the voice of youth at the 1925 Stockholm Conference on Life and Work through to his work as the first general secretary of the World Council of Churches, W. A. Visser ‘t Hooft exercised a decisive influence on the ecumenical movement in the twentieth century. I am delighted that, with this book, Michael Kinnamon is introducing W. A. Visser 't Hooft to a new generation and showing how his insights continue to challenge the churches today.”
“Engaging the Christian community through the heart and mind of its most seminal ecumenical voice, W.A. Visser ‘t Hooft, is profoundly exciting! Michael Kinnamon, himself a seasoned ecumenical theologian of first rank, opens the door. In this book, we see how Visser ‘t Hooft grounded his leadership and theology in a vision of 'coherent unity,' how he built bridges while also warning about modern idolatries. For those who seek a resurrected Church, this is a must read!”
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