Communion Ecclesiology: Foundations, Critiques, and Affirmations

Abstract

Theologies portraying the church as a “communion” - with God and between believers - have become common in Roman Catholic thought in the last two decades. The ecclesiology of communion has been particularly influential in shaping Catholic approaches to ecumenism, where “communion” merges neatly with “unity” and “catholicity” to promote a church that is both united and diverse. Despite its popularity, the ecclesiology of communion has also been subject to some significant critiques. The critics warn against the danger of communion models reinforcing authoritarian attitudes, being too idealistic, or, most particularly, lacking a focus on “mission”. In the eyes of the critics, understanding the church as communion leads only to an inward-looking church unconcerned with the needs of history and the implications of the Incarnation. This article reviews the emergence of the ecclesiology of communion, especially its relationship to the teaching of Vatican II, identifies its major emphases, surveys the content of the critiques, and assesses whether the theology of communion contributes to a positive and challenging sense of church.