Berkley Center

This volume, edited by Vladimir Latinovic, Gerard Mannion, and Jason Welle, OFM, explores how Catholicism began and continues to embrace 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, and its distinctively pastoral character. 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 addresses 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. Mannion also authored chapters on "How a Church Opened Its Doors" and "Women and the Art of Magisterium: Reflections on Vatican II and the Postconciliar Church."