Building Bridges: Between the Orthodox & Evangelical Traditions

In recent decades Evangelicals and Orthodox have encountered each other more widely than ever before. Relationships have often been difficult and dogged by misunderstanding. How can two traditions which seem so different begin to understand each other and find common ground? Is it possible for Orthodox and Evangelical Christians to move from competition to co-operation and develop relationships marked by mutual respect? What are the key theological issues between them which need to be faced? And what might these two traditions be able to offer together to the whole church? This book presents papers, reports and reflections from a remarkable series of seminars bringing together representatives of these streams of Christianity. Held at Bossey, Switzerland, between 2000 and 2006, the seminars built on earlier consultations and again brought together theologians and church leaders from a wide range of Evangelical and Orthodox churches. Topics explored in this publication include the nature of salvation, the role and place of Holy Scripture, the nature and purpose of the church and what it means to be human.

Participants testify in this volume to the impact these discussions had on them, and it is offered as a stimulus to further dialogue between two traditions of considerable theological and demographic significance.