Institutional Change in the Church: A Theological Reflection

Abstract

The church in many parts of the north Atlantic world is experiencing a period of institutional change as parts of the church combine with or fold into one another. This essay is a theological reflection on one such process of institutional change, namely, the work of two Canadian theological colleges to form a new ecumenical institution. That process was assisted by and deepened theological reflection on the nature of the church as the body of Christ, the importance of Christian hospitality, and the significance of people committing to other people in the context of the Christian faith. Institutional change will continue to happen in the church and must be resourced by adequate theological reflection to ensure its success.