Discernment, Ecumenical Dialogue, and the Transformation of the Polis

Okpaleke, Ikenna Paschal
(2021) Louvain Studies — Vol. 44, n° 1, p. 70-81 (2021)

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Abstract
The task of ecumenical dialogue has largely been framed within the context of Christian unity. Consequently, its power to drive social transformation has always been considered secondary, even in the case of social ecumenism. In chal- lenging this limitation, this essay argues that ecumenical dialogue ought to be inter- preted as a form of political theology, with an inclusive participation that goes beyond Christian or religious boundaries. To defend such a claim, the essay (a) appropriates Pope Francis’ concept of discernment with its hermeneutics of par- ticipation, (b) deploys the principle of non-dualism in establishing the relationship between ecumenical dialogue and political theology, and (c) outlines the critical criteria for the possibility of social transformation through ecumenical dialogue. Overall, the essay aims at extending the transformative value of ecumenical dialogue beyond the narrow goal of Christian unity.
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Okpaleke, I. P. (2021). Discernment, Ecumenical Dialogue, and the Transformation of the Polis. Louvain Studies, 44(1), 70-81. https://doi.org/10.2143/LS.44.1.0000000 (Original work published 2021)