Fading Frontiers? : A Historical-Theological Investigation into the Notion of the Elementa Ecclesiae

One aspect of the ecclesiological renewal at Vatican II that has notreceived much scholarly attention so far is the doctrine of the"elements of the church" (elementa ecclesiae), previously unheardof in Roman Catholic magisterial documents. This book offers an originaland comprehensive study of this notion and how it became part of theofficial teaching of the Roman Catholic church.

Using a historical-theological approach, the author studies the originsand evolution of the concept of the "elements of the church" and gives anuanced understanding of this doctrine as outlined in Lumengentium § 8 and Unitatis redintegratio § 3.

In this way, the author offers a renewed insight into the evolution ofthe position of the Roman Catholic church "in oecumenicis" during and inthe aftermath of Vatican II. The development sketched in the book ischaracterized by a double perspective. On the one hand, there is thedebate about the frontiers of the church that focuses on therelationship between the Roman Catholic church and the church of Christ.On the other hand, and closely related to the first aspect, there is theissue of the recognition of "ecclesial" elements in non-CatholicChristian communities. Both threads are closely interwoven and it isimportant to understand the relationship if one wants to do justice tothe doctrinal balance and complexity of Vatican II's ecumenicalecclesiology. Taking these two aspects together, one should readilyacknowledge the shift that typifies Roman Catholic ecclesiology from ajuridical approach to the question of defining the Roman Catholicchurch's frontiers over against the outside world - and afortiori over against other Christian denominations - towards asacramental approach to Roman Catholic ecclesiology in which the notionsof sacramentality and mystery are foundational. Along with this newapproach came a renewed attention for a Christ-centred ecclesiology anda recognition of the activity and work of the Spirit outside the RomanCatholic church. All of these aspects are touched upon in this book.

The author has studied original documentation in a number of archives.The book thus offers a detailed reconstruction of textual evolutions andhighlights the role played by Catholic and non-Catholic theologians whohave helped shape contemporary ecclesiological thought. It gives usinsight into the complex background history of the elementaecclesiae and shows how it continues to inspire post-conciliarecclesiological and ecumenical discussions.