The Church and Ecumenism in the Thought of John Henry Newman Cover Image

The Church and Ecumenism in the Thought of John Henry Newman
The Church and Ecumenism in the Thought of John Henry Newman

Author(s): Hector Scerri
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Theology and Religion, Systematic Theology
Published by: Towarzystwo Naukowe KUL & Katolicki Uniwersytet Lubelski Jana Pawła II
Keywords: John Henry Newman; Church; Via Media; prophetic office; charismatic dimension; hierarchy; ecumenism

Summary/Abstract: This article explores the development of Newman’s thought on the Church, throughout different phases of his long life. The article focuses, among other themes, on the nature of the Church, the important introduction to his Via Media (1877), the charismatic dimension of the ekklesia, and the respective roles of the pope, the bishops and the laity, in particular what the latter can contribute to the whole People of God. The article also seeks to delve into the question whether one can talk about ecumenism in the writings of the influential nineteenth-century English man of letters and opinion leader. The conclusion offers some final considerations on what Newman underwent during his long and meandering journey with regard to some basic tenets of his ecclesiology.

  • Issue Year: 68/2021
  • Issue No: 7
  • Page Range: 59-78
  • Page Count: 20
  • Language: English