Overview

Bishops are to be understood primarily as representatives of cultures regardless of where their people are territorially located. The vindication of this thesis has implications also for ecumenical reconciliation between episcopal and non-episcopal communions occupying the same geographical territory. The author compares the approaches and insights of both Vatican II and Lambeth 89 on this issue, and then proceeds to a historical and theological analysis of the development of the threefold order in the early centuries, which he illuminates with the aid of contemporary sociological and cultural theory, in particular that of Durkheim. Key themes in the development of order are identified in the classical texts of Ignatius of Antioch, Irenaeus, Cyprian, Tertullian and the church order literature. The author's conclusion is that we need to break both the geographical and the jurisdictional mould in which our understanding of church order has become set.

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9789004094321

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Reviews

'The book is interesting and gives the reader much to think about.' Eric Kemp, Journal Eccl. Hist., 1994. '...a solid contribution to the series.' Don S. Armentrout, Journal of Ecumenical Studies, 1993.

' The book is interesting and gives the reader much to think about.'<br>Eric Kemp, Journal Eccl. Hist., 1994.<br>'.. .a solid contribution to the series.'<br>Don S. Armentrout, Journal of Ecumenical Studies, 1993.<br>

Author Information

Allen Leonard Brent M.A. is Senior Lecturer in History, James Cook University of North Queensland, Townsville, Australia. He has published various articles on theological and philosophical subjects.

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