THE GROUPE DES DOMBES: A Dialogue of Conversion: 231 (American University Studies) - Hardcover

«This is simply to indicate that I highly recommend the publication of Catherine Clifford's very impressive work, 'The Groupe des Dombes: A Dialogue of Conversion' with Peter Lang publishers. I was a reader of this work when it was submitted as a doctoral dissertation, and I found it illuminating, informative, and completely reliable in its use of the methodological work of Bernard Lonergan. It was for adjudicating the use of Lonergan that I was chosen as a reader, and I found Ms Clifford's understanding of Lonergan's work and application of it to ecumenical understanding to be accurate and persuasive. I heartily endorse publication of this work.» (Robert M. Doran Professor Regis College, University of Toronto Director, Lonergan Research Institute, Toronto)
«The contribution of the 'Groupe des Dombes' toward the unity of Christians has been, and continues to be, exceptional: their method can serve as a model for all dialogues, their insights can enrich every community. Catherine Clifford presents the history and the doctrinal positions of the 'Groupe' in a clear, competent, and scholarly manner - at a time when the ecumenical movement is seemingly slowing down. Her work, however, speaks of a success achieved by quiet pioneers endowed with 'holy imagination', resilience, and energy - qualities commonly recognized as the gifts of the Spirit. She brings to the attention of English speaking Christians a source of inspiration and hope.» (Ladislas Orsy, SJ, Professor of Canon Law, Georgetown University Law Center)
«Catherine Clifford's book clarifies the centrality of conversion within all of the theological tasks related to ecumenical dialogue. The author reveals the debt owed by ecumenical dialogue to the Groupe des Dombes, and she relates her work to a wider theological discussion through the use of Bernard Lonergan as an analytic tool.» (Dr. Margaret O'Gara, Professor of Theology, Faculty of Theology, University of St. Michael's College, Toronto, Canada)

This book explores the unique and substantial contribution to reflection on conversion and Christian unity by the Groupe des Dombes, a Reformed-Lutheran-Catholic dialogue in French-speaking Europe. Catherine E. Clifford traces the development of the dialogue from its founding in 1937 by Abbé Paul Couturier and its contribution to ecumenical consensus on eucharist, ministry, sacraments, episcope, the papacy, and Marian doctrine and devotion. The theme of conversion grounds the ethos of the Groupe des Dombes, marked by a deep appreciation of the interdependence of common prayer, theological dialogue, and the promotion of ecclesial reform and renewal. The Groupe des Dombes' theological method, which leads to calls for the revision of both judgments of the past and of present theology and practice, suggests that the elaboration of ecumenical consensus, while significant, is but a first step toward the reconciliation of the churches. This is an important book for anyone engaged in ecumenical study and dialogue.