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This article explores the contested concepts of authority and leadership in the Church, in the context of modern cultural and social conditions and with special reference to the diocese and cathedral and the ministry of bishop and dean respectively. The need for ethical and theological criteria for authority is underlined, resulting in a model of moral authority, grounded in character, example and dialogue, as a basis for salutary forms of leadership. The current inflated rhetoric of 'leadership' is challenged by a stress on long-term formation and the call that may come at a critical moment. In conclusion, certain toxic models of leadership are held up to be shunned and some key skills and aptitudes are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article undertakes a critical exploration of the current relationship between ecclesiology and 'ecclesial ethnography'. It begins by proposing that ecclesiology should be a realistic, critical and practical discipline and that in these respects it can learn from ethnographical principles. It goes on to raise some questions about how the relationship between ecclesial ethnography and ecclesiology is presented in some recent literature, pointing out instances of over-drawn distinctions, exaggerated claims and methodological naivety. It concludes by affirming the vital role of ethnographical study to the overall theological investigation of the church and suggests that this would be strengthened if the weaknesses mentioned above were addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How can we explain the fact that the Anglican Covenant divides people of equal integrity and comparable wisdom around the world? We need to ask whether we have correctly understood both the ecclesiology of the Anglican Communion and the terms of the Covenant. What is implied in being a Communion of Churches, where the churches are the subjects of the relationship of communion (koinonia)? What does the Covenant commit its signatories to and, in particular, what does it say about doctrinal and ethical criteria for communion? Is it legitimate to apply biblical covenant language, in which the covenant relationship is between God and Israel, to relations between churches? By addressing some of the concerns of those who oppose it, a case is made in favour of the Covenant and some reassurances are offered. In conclusion, the mystical dimension of being in communion is affirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One aspect of the chilly climate of ecumenism at the present time is the idea that theological dialogue between the major Christian traditions is basically a pointless exercise in self-deception. This article considers this criticism and weighs the extent to which the churches are already united, while being, in some cases, divided where it matters most – at the Lord’s Table. It restates the ‘Faith and Order’ vision of full visible unity as an imperative of the gospel, briefly indicating how it may be pursued with realism and integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses various reports published within the issue, including one by Richard Hooker that claims that the Christian Church is both a political society and a society supernatural and another by Thomas Seville on the contribution of the Gospel of Saint John to origins of eucharistic practice and theology.

The article discusses the statement of Protestant ecclesiology, the Leuenberg study The Church of Jesus Christ. It looks at the consultations which took place between Anglicans and representatives of the Leuenberg Church Fellowship. The convergence in Anglican and Protestant ecclesiology is addressed.

The author reflects on the half-millennium birth of John Calvin, one of the principal founders of the Reformed tradition. Despite Calvin's background as a reformist, the author considers him as a catholic theologian with huge significance for the Church at large. He cites Calvin's contribution to Christian theology, ecclesiology, biblical studies, unity, and his personal qualities of modesty and courage. He describes Calvin as a self-effacing person who chose to be buried in an unmarked grave. He refers Calvin as the man God mastered.

The article discusses a report published within the issue by Andre Lincoln on the meaning of koinonia in the New Testament and its implications for ecclesiology.

This article discusses the publication of the journal Ecclesiology. It was learned that the journal is a major new ecumenical and international theological journal devoted to the study of the Church. It is designed to meet the growing demand, in churches, seminaries and among individuals, for theological resources in the area of ecclesiology. A working definition of ecclesiology as a theological discipline might be: 'The scholarly and critical study of the nature, purpose and actions of the Christian Church.' Ecclesiology as a discipline is concerned primarily with the theological identity of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church of Jesus Christ. It is true to say that ecclesiology is one of the most creative and dynamic areas of theological endeavor today. In a secondary and derivative sense it is also concerned with the identities of particular churches. The journal will be published three times per year. Main areas of focus will be the central concerns of the theological study of the Church: mission, ministry and unity. The journal aims not to be inward looking, focusing on the domestic agenda of the churches, but to take its cue from the mission of the Church in the world. The missiological thrust of the journal will include the study of the Church's evangelistic task, its engagement with increasingly secular cultures and pluralist societies in the West, and its interaction with other faiths.