This volume explores how Catholicism began and continues to open its doors to the wider world
and to other confessions in embracing ecumenism thanks to the vision and legacy of the Second
Vatican Council. It explores such themes as the twentieth century context preceding the council
parallels between Vatican II and previous councils its distinctively pastoral character the
legacy of the council in relation to issues such as church-world dynamics as well as to ethics
social justice economic activity. Several chapters discuss the role of women in the church
before during and since the council. Others discern inculturation in relation to Vatican II.
The book also contains a wide and original range of ecumenical considerations of the council
including by and in relation to Free Church Reformed Orthodox and Anglican perspectives.
Finally it considers the Council's ongoing promise and remaining challenges with regard to
ecumenical issues including a groundbreaking essay on the future of ecumenical dialogue by
Cardinal Walter Kasper.
