Harding Meyer
"Never has a Roman pontiff gone so far as Pope John Paul II in inviting other churches to a 'patient and fraternal dialogue' concerning his office. Here is one of the very first and most stimulating responses to that invitation, wide in range and with excellent contributions. It merits the careful attention of all those who are troubled by or interested in this crucial ecumenical problem."
Timothy George
"A thoughtful, engaging symposium on the most important ecumenical document of our time. Both ecumenically serious and theologically honest, this book is a signal contribution to the ongoing quest for Christian unity."
Worship
"The essays in this fine book testify to the richness of the conversation. The editors describe Church Unity and the Papal Office as 'a kind of thanksgiving offering in appreciation of the pope's effort to promote the unity of all Christians and full communion between the churches'. The contributors should be thanked for a frank dialogue, and the editors for ensuring that it continues. "
Religious Studies Review
"An interesting read for those fascinated by history, ecumenism and the Christian future."
Gabriel Fackre
"A 'must read' for understanding the ecumenical commitments and direction of the Vatican."
Francis Cardinal George
"As Pope John Paul II and his predecessor Paul VI have said, understanding the Petrine ministry of the Bishop of Rome and how it might be exercised in the future is key to the search for Christian unity. Only honest dialogue about where we stand on this question and a sincere openness to the guidance of the Holy Spirit will allow progress in fidelity to Christ's will for his people. This book offers an important ecumenical contribution to the present status of the question and careful exploration of possible avenues into a shared future."
New Theology Review
"Braaten and Jenson, well-known ecumenists and theologians in the Lutheran tradition, have edited this impressive collection of essays. . . . The volume is substantive beyond its size and ample beyond its explicit focus. It will be of interest not only to ecumenists but to all concerned with fundamental issues of ecclesiology. . . All in all this is a provocative and rewarding collection that I highly recommend."
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Carl E. Braaten is professor emeritus of systematic theology at Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and former executive director of the Center for Catholic and Evangelical Theology.
Robert W. Jenson (1930–2017) was a leading Lutheran and ecumenical theologian. He served as codirector of the Institute for Theological Inquiry and was cofounder and longtime associate director of the Center for Catholic and Evangelical Theology. Among his many significant books are A Religion against Itself, The Triune Identity, and the two-volume Systematic Theology.
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