Richard R. Gaillardetz: An Appreciation of the Ecclesiologist and his Work

Abstract

Abstract This tribute to Richard R. Gaillardetz was given as a lecture on September 24, 2022 at a conference held at Boston College honoring his contributions to the field of Ecclesiology. Gaillardetz, who is terminally ill, had delivered his own ‘last lecture’ the previous evening. This essay gives an overview of Gaillardetz’s work with a focus on the topic of authority in the Roman Catholic Church. Gaillardetz’s ecclesiological vision emphasizes how bishops should minister as witnesses to the faith in their local churches. Bishops and the pope have real and legitimate authority within a church informed by the Holy Spirit on all levels, including the entire People of God. Ecclesial structures are important, even essential, but still secondary to the ecclesial vitality brought about by the Spirit. Gaillardetz calls for a noncompetitive theology imbued with a sense of eschatological humility. Gaillardetz’s contributions to ecumenism and to the challenges of globalization are further explored.