Views, analyses and evaluation about the book of His Holiness Aram I, For a Church Beyond Its Walls, Antelias, 2007.
The recent book of His Holiness Aram I with its challenging perspectives, serious analyses and critical approaches has generated positive reaction in academic, theological, ecumenical and inter-religious circles.
Hereunder a selective list of brief references.-
– "This book will provide a resource in support of the outreach dimension of the life of the church at this most difficult and challenging time". Dr. Stanley S. Harakas Former Dean of the Greek Orthodox Theological Seminary Boston, U.S.A.
– "I have read a number of your talks, lectures and addresses and give thanks to God for the ecumenical leadership that you have provided". Dr. Anna Marie-Aagaard A former WCC president Denmark
– "Knowing you and knowing your intellectual competence and deep understanding of church, I am sure that it will be a treat, indeed.". Msgr. Robert L. Stern Secretary General of CNEWA U.S.A.
–– "It is a wonderful book outlining a renewed vision of the mission of the Church in this modern age, especially, in the field of ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue. In fact, Your Holiness who has served as the Moderator of the World Council of Churches for two terms (1991–1998 & 1998-2006) is the person most qualified to write such a book". Ignatius Zakka I Iwas Patriarch of Antioch & All the East Supreme Head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church Syria
– "Your Holiness has tackled some of the key questions and issues of our day. Dr. Kobia is absolutely right in his foreword to the book when he writes, 'You have contributed to a better understanding of the ecclesiological challenge' ". Dr. A. Miller Milloy General Secretary of the United Bible Societies United Kingdom
– "I am happy to have this volume in my library - a clear voice for a more open church inspired by the vision of the kingdom of God… I am grateful for your leadership in the past years. The World Council of Churches goes through difficult and troubled times. But I remain convinced that the concept and the existence of the Council continue to represent the only valid approach to the ecumenical movement - the emphasis on the common witness of the churches today or to use your words: the commitment of the churches to going beyond their walls. You reminded the Central Committee consistently of this vision… I think that the voice of the WCC will be needed in new ways – again by leading the churches beyond their walls". Lucas Vischer former director of Faith & Order Switzerland
– "The thoughts and insights laid down in its pages are a vigorous attempt to take Orthodox Theology out to the World at large and especially to those other Christian Bodies involved in the Ecumenical Movement, of which Your Beatitude has been a great protagonist in recent years, and enable them to come to realize the richness of the Primitive and Patristic theological reflections which are the foundations of Your thoughts, and which constitute our precious Orthodox heritage and spiritual values". Christos Sp. Voulgaris Professor Emeritus, University of Athens Greece
– "They (i.e. reports, addresses and lectures) do provide a coherent framework for the book and it is most helpful to have your important messages together in one place. I have little to add to Sam Kobia's forward which so ably recalls your exceptional contribution and leadership role for the WCC during a very critical period. You know how much I enjoyed working closely with you and I am glad to realize that these feelings were mutual". Dr. Konrad Raiser former General Secretary of WCC Germany
– "The book seems to be published in the right time, considering that the ecumenical movement, seen from the point of view of our Foundation, actually finds itself in a difficult phase of transition. The book, indeed, gives an important and most meritorious impetus to 'searching for new ecumenical norms and models' ". Dr. Johann Marte President of PRO ORIENTE Austria
– "Apart from the wonderful – and just to the point – title, it is extremely valuable to get all your speeches and comments on the recent developments in church worldwide. Your book will be an important source to consult". Dr. KG Hammar former Archbishop of Uppsala Sweden
– "I read the first chapter – Why this Title? – with great excitement. You said so many things there which are very close to my own thinking but which I could not have expressed so clearly or eloquently. You have remarkable gift for keeping the vision of the unity of the Church within the larger context of the world and the kingdom…. We miss you greatly in the leadership of the WCC and I continue to be grateful for all you have given and continue to give to the ecumenical movement". Dr. Mary Tanner President of WCC United Kingdom
– " 'For a Church Beyond its Walls' is, indeed, a reference book for anyone who is dedicated to the Ecumenical cause… I congratulate you and also for your outstanding ecumenical research and preoccupation". Nifon Archbishop of Târgoviçste Romania
– "What a gift you have been to successive WCC leaders. 'For a Church Beyond its Walls' is such a valuable book historically. We will read it with appreciation and profit and share it with friends". Dr. Every Post U.S.A.
– "Thank you, above all, for your eloquent and untiring appeal to the Church to be in creative dialogue with the world, to become what God has called it to be: an instrument of reconciliation, the means by which God's healing grace touches and heals our wounded human family". Abbot John Klassen, OSB St. John's University U.S.A.
– "I find your thoughts very interesting". Odd Bondevik Bishop of Møre Norway
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