Some trajectories on the question of ordination in Ecclesial Communities of the Reformed Tradition

Abstract

This article seeks to focus upon the situation regarding the question of ordained ministry within some of the Churches and Ecclesial Communities belonging to the Reformed Tradition. The central issue is that regarding the validity of ordination. The background to the genesis of the disagreement on the priesthood is described, as well as the attempts made to reach a consensus. The question regarding Anglican Orders is highlighted as a case study. This research suggests the usefulness of a scholarly "ressourcement" in the study of the validity of Orders. A possible path is proposed, towards the mutual understanding between the separated Churches on the question of ordination. The path follows the trajectory of the agreement, in 2001, on the common use of the anaphora of Addai and Mari by two separated Churches in the Middle East, and the subsequent eucharistic hospitality. Other recent conversations are referred to in the attempt to reach agreement, while recognising that specific obstacles do offer a major setback. The article is concluded by a number of concrete proposals.