Foreword [Living tradition : continuity and change as challenges to churches and theologies]

Abstract

After unforeseen postponements due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 21st Academic Consultation of the Societas Oecumenica finally took place on the island of Malta from the 5th to the 10th of May 2022. Its main topic was Living Tradition: Continuity and Change as Challenges to Churches and Theologies. Members and friends of the Societas Oecumenica gathered at the Archbishop’s Seminary in Rabat to reflect on the ecumenical significance of Tradition and the challenges posed to churches and theologies by its twin principles: continuity and change. The goal of the 21st Academic Consultation was to offer churches, academia, and society insights into how our respective identities as Christians, largely shaped by a critical conversation with what has been passed down to us, impact our reconciliation process. The keynote papers and some of the presentations during the short paper sessions are included in this volume. [extract]