Formation for Transformation: Ecumenical Reception through Ecumenical Formation

by Bruce Myers; Linda Nicholls

Publisher:

Wipf and Stock

, 2022

Overview

In the past century the ecumenical movement has made extraordinary efforts in healing the wounds of division in the body of Christ--the church. However, in their formal preparation for ministry, many clergy learn little or nothing about the achievements, methods, or implications of ecumenism. This failure to adequately educate and inspire successive generations of Christian leaders about the quest for the church’s visible unity risks not only an irretrievable loss of ecumenical memory, but also a return to a time in which ignorance, fear, mistrust, suspicion, stereotypes, caricatures, recrimination, anathematization--even persecution--characterized the relations between divided churches. Drawing on decades of reflection on ecumenical reception and formation, and using the Anglican Church of Canada as a model, this book presents an approach to teaching the practical and theological aspects of ecumenism in a way that is both holistic and pragmatic and offers the potential to raise up a new generation of church leaders who are also agents of reconciliation and Christian unity.

Praise for Formation for Transformation

“Anyone involved in ecumenical dialogue . . . desires that growing theological consensus might bear fruit in the daily pastoral life of flesh-and-blood communities. Bruce Myers reflects on the direct link between theological education, . . . fellowship, and collaborative ministry. This book should invite theological educators to recommit to the priority of ecumenical formation, and all those in ministry to understand more deeply their role in forming Christian communities committed to growing in unity within the one church of Christ.”

—Catherine Clifford, Saint Paul University



“As a theological educator who has served on ecumenical dialogues that have produced significant agreement, I have long suspected that the missing link between ecumenical theology and the life of the churches is theological education. Bruce Myers has conclusively exposed this missing link. This book on the role of theological education in the reception of ecumenical agreements takes its rightful place alongside other significant work on ecumenical reception.”

—John Gibaut, Thorneloe University



“In the post-pandemic church, collaboration across denominational lines will be more necessary than ever. This book offers a compelling new model for clergy education that is both formative and transformative. Out of his expertise as ecumenical officer and bishop in the Anglican Church of Canada, Myers offers a vision for an online delivery system and a national curriculum that will educate and equip clergy to become engaged and engaging ecumenical practitioners in local ministries.”

—Mitzi J. Budde, Virginia Theological Seminary

Product Details

• Title: Formation for Transformation: Ecumenical Reception through Ecumenical Formation
• Authors: Bruce Myers, Linda Nicholls
• Publisher: Wipf and Stock
• Print Publication Date: 2022
• Logos Release Date: 2022
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9781666720921, 9781666729085, 1666720925, 1666729086
• Resource ID: LLS:9781666720921
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T19:54:30Z

About the Authors

Bruce Myers is the Anglican Bishop of Quebec.