This book offers fresh insights into the contemporary state of Ecumenism. Following the
election of Pope Francis there has been a significant thaw in ecumenical relations and there
are grounds for thinking that this will continue into the future. The twelve chapters written
both by experienced ecumenical theologians as well as younger scholars that have been gathered
together in this collection offer one of the first detailed assessments of the impact of
Francis' papacy on ecumenical dialogue. Drawing on ecumenical methodology as well as many
practical examples and illustrations the authors discuss the developments in culture and
missiology as these affect the practice of ecumenism particularly in response to theologies of
hope as well as inter-religious dialogue and pluralism. What emerges is a clear sense of hope
for the future in a rapidly changing world and even a sense of optimism that real ecumenical
progress might be made.
