Growing into the Fullness of Christ: Receptive Ecumenism as a Way of Ecclesial Conversion

This chapter explores the distinctiveness of the theology and practice of ecclesial conversion at work in Receptive Ecumenism relative to other forms of ecumenical theory and engagement. It works through three main steps. First, understanding Receptive Ecumenism as a way of ecclesial conversion is shown both to be the integrating theme of this particular volume and an integral dimension of the theology and practice of Receptive Ecumenism as a whole. Second, through an appreciative comparative reflection on the Groupe des Dombes’ theology of ecclesial conversion, the distinctiveness of Receptive Ecumenism’s understanding and practice of ecclesial conversion is clarified as being fundamentally orientated not towards loss, emptying, or diminishment but towards growth into ever greater fullness. Third, the chapter presents some thoughts on the broad contours of the anticipated ecclesial end towards which Receptive Ecumenism is orientated and is intended to serve given the fundamental role of this particular understanding of ecclesial conversion in its theology and practice