Agreeable Agreement: An Examination of the Quest for Consensus in Ecumenical Dialogue

by Minna Hietamäki

Publisher:

T&T Clark

, 2011

In recent bilateral ecumenical dialogue the aim of the dialogue has been to reach some form of doctrinal consensus. The three major chapters of the book discuss the variety of forms of doctrinal consensus found in ecumenical dialogues among Anglicans, Lutherans and Roman Catholics. In general, the dialogue documents argue for agreement/consensus based on commonality or compatibility.

Each of the three dialogue processes has specific characteristics and formulates its argument in a unique way. The Lutheran-Roman Catholic dialogue has a particular interest in hermeneutical questions and proposes various forms of "differentiated" or perspectival forms of consensus. The Anglican-Roman Catholic dialogue emphasises the correctness of interpretations. The documents consciously look towards a "common future", not the separated past.

Features

Offers a critical evaluation of the concept.
The first in-depth analysis of the most important concept in modern Ecumenism.

Contents

Introduction

 

1. Consensus as an Ecumenical Challenge: Scope of the Concept and Relevance of the Study

2. Sources: Documents from Bilateral Dialogues

3. The Context and Scope of the Study

 

II Lutheran-Roman Catholic Dialogue

4. International Dialogue

5. National Dialogues: North America, Germany

6. Consensus with Difference

 

III. Anglican-Roman Catholic Dialogue

7. International Dialogue ARCIC

 

IV. Anglican-Lutheran Dialogue

8. International Dialogue

9. Episcopal-Lutheran Dialogue in the USA

10. Regional Dialogues: Meißen Statement, Porvoo Statement

 

V. The Possibility of Consensuc: A Synthesis

11. Harvesting the Results: Consensus in Bilateral Dialogue

12. Consensus: An Unattainable Ideal or a Reachable Goal? The Continuing Debate

 

Conclusion

Bibliography

 

Praise for Agreeable Agreement

'Minna Hietamäki provides a solid analysis of the ecumenical dialogues between Anglicans, Catholics and Lutherans, connecting it with the ongoing critical discussion on the value of the so-called "consensus ecumenism". While most ecumenical theologians are strong either in theological theory or ecclesial practice, Hietamäki masters both fields. She defends consensus ecumenism but considers that the arguments of its critics should be taken very seriously. Her work deserves, therefore, to be read by all parties involved in current ecumenism and systematic theology.' - Risto Saarinen, University of Helsinki, Finland

'In her remarkable first book, Faith and Order Commissioner Dr Minna Hietamäki poses serious yet timely challenges to the churches and their theologians engaged in ecumenical dialogue.  By her analysis of the current (and at times uncritical) uses of the word "consensus" and associated terms such as agreement, convergence, consonance, and the (con)sensus fidelium, Dr Hietamäki offers profound yet realistic insights into the nature and purpose ecumenical dialogue and consensus ecumenism.  As such, I consider her book to be a "prequel" to recent work on Ecumenical Reception.  Her insights into the tripartite dialogues between Lutherans, Anglicans, and Roman Catholics are applicable to any bilateral dialogue, as well as to multilateral forum of Faith and Order.' - John Gibaut, Director of Faith and Order, World Council of Churches, Geneva, Switzerland

'In her very informative and challenging study, Hietamäki brings together for the first time on the one hand a thorough analysis of three long-time bilateral dialogues asking how they understand "consensus" or "agreement" and how they attempt to achieve them, and, on the other hand, an analysis of theoretical reflections on "consensus" in contemporary philosophy and theology. Thus she is able to raise important questions in a fresh way, to identify weaknesses and strengths, conceptual and methodological shortcomings or achievements in particular approaches. Ecumenical theology and work should take this study seriously, even if one does not agree with all of its findings.' - Theodor Dieter, Institute for Ecumenical Research, Strasbourg, France

Product Details

• Title: Agreeable Agreement: An Examination of the Quest for Consensus in Ecumenical Dialogue
• Author: Minna Hietamäki
• Publisher: T&T Clark
• Print Publication Date: 2011
• Logos Release Date: 2024
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9780567074126, 9780567232595, 056723259X, 0567074129
• Resource ID: LLS:9780567074126
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-05-12T03:27:35Z

About the Author

Minna Hietamäki received her PhD from the University of Helsinki, Finland, where she currently teaches.