Routledge The Holy Spirit and the Church: Ecumenical Reflections with a Pastoral Perspective (Routledge Contemporary Ecclesiology)

Advancing strong, scholarly discussion on the Holy Spirit and the church in the context of the ecumenical movement, six theologians in five different churches offer new theological and pastoral insights into the work of the Holy Spirit in the churches of Christianity, in ecumenism, and in witness. With The Church: Towards a Common Vision (World Council of Churches) document serving as a common point of reference, a pastoral perspective is distinctive throughout. Relating theology to non-theological knowledge of the contemporary cultural context, as well as application to pastoral practice, this book draws from, and is applicable to, clergy formation, preaching, lay discipleship, church-world relations, social mission, congregational life, grass-roots ecumenical cooperation, and witness to Christ and the gospel by racial minorities. Review 'Thomas Hughson's book 'The Holy Spirit and the Church' offers valuable and fresh ecclesiological reflections on the Church from an ecumenical viewpoint. The chosen emphasis on the Holy Spirit is helpful in orienting towards new possibilities for a Christian future beyond divisions. Contributions to this book reflect a diversity of theological approaches. The authors are not afraid to raise critical questions but the questions are offered as positive correctives, which reflect deep commitment to the Christian community. The presentation of the topics is both scholarly and pastoral in its approach, which makes this book useful reading for various audiences.' Minna Hietamaki, University of Helsinki, Finland About the Author Thomas Hughson was ordained a priest in 1971. He received a PhD in Systematic Theology from the University of St. Michael's College, University of Toronto, in 1981. He held a faculty position in the Department of Theology at Marquette University from 1979 on, with the exception of 1986-89 as Dean at the Pontifical Biblical Institute-Jerusalem. Editor of Matthias Scheeben on Faith: The Doctoral Dissertation of John Courtney Murray and author of The Believer as Citizen: John Courtney Murray in a New Context, he serves on the Editorial Board of the Public Policy Forum, the Editorial Board of Modern Believing, was an Associate Editor of Theological Studies, co-edits the Ashgate Contemporary Ecclesiology Series, and retired emeritus in 2010 after being Director of Graduate Studies in Theology for some years. He has pastoral experience in spiritual direction in light of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Recent publications include Connecting Jesus to Social Justice: Classical Christology and Public Theology and "Interpreting Vatican II: 'A New Pentecost'," in Theological Studies 69.