Receptive Ecumenism in the Context of Bilateral Dialogues

Abstract

A consideration of bilateral dialogues has an obvious relevance in the context of an International Conference on Receptive Ecumenism because of the truth-searching and the openness to learning and growth that are the hallmarks of dialogue. The receptive ecumenism methodology is dependent on an openness by the churches to receive from each other and so be drawn into closer relationships. However, out of a consideration of three papers on two bilateral dialogues, here the question is raised: "is the receptive ecumenism methodology new?" The answer given is “no”, because that methodology was already present in earlier—comparative and consensus—methodologies. But the fact that the extensive convergence achieved by ecumenical dialogues has been poorly ‘received’ by the churches means that the receptive ecumenism methodology may prove to be providential as an instrument of transformation.