The contribution of the Groupe des Dombes to ecumenism. Past achievements and future challenges

This article considers the historical development of the Groupe des Dombes and its significant contribution to the ecumenical movement. It begins with a presentation of the origins, identity and method of the Groupe and then traces the two main stages in its ecumenical hermeneutics: the first focused on doctrines, especially ecclesiological doctrines, the second on the important transition from dogmatics to history. Identity (in its various aspects) and conversion (as a critical re-examination of the church-dividing claims of the denominational Churches) are the two keys of the historical understanding and the ecclesiological interpretation of the Groupe des Dombes. The originality of the Groupe lies in its permanent characteristics and in the evolution of its ecumenical hermeneutics. The article articulates the main challenge for the ecumenical movement in the new cultural and inter-religious context as that of making all members of the Churches aware of the relevance and necessity of ecumenism for the authenticity of Christianity, and thus for a richer and deeper dialogue between Christianity and non-Christian religions.