Chiara Lubich and Decision-Making: A Spiritual Methodology of Mutual Reception Based on Christ Crucified and Forsaken

Abstract

Chiara Lubich’s spirituality of unity and Receptive Ecumenism have profound affinities. Some of these are outlined as the spirituality of unity is briefly presented. This spirituality offers a way of discernment that produces an effective form of decision-making that is theologically and pneumatologically grounded. The process is described with reference to a case study of decision-making within the Focolare Movement founded by Chiara Lubich. A core element of the decision-making process is mutual reception, which points to possibilities both for discernment within denominations and for the ecumenical practice of learning across denominations. In all cases mutual reception is accessed by the ascetic practice of a living theologia crucis.