Perspectief 2016-34

Perspectief 4 Editorial Fokke Wouda MA “Just Do It?!” has been the stimulating core question of the August 2016 Academic Consultation of the Societas Oecumenica in Helsinki, Finland. 1 During the six day conference over forty scholars presented their papers on the theme, explicated in the subtitle: “Recognition and Reception in Ecumenical Relations”. Once revised, all the papers presented at the consultation will be published in 2017 in the series ‘Beihefte zur Ökumenischen Rundschau’ by the Evangelische Verlagsanstalt Leipzig. As a sneak preview, Perspectief prints some of the contributions in advance – please note that the few papers in this journal are only provisional. 2 Considering the diversity of the presentations and keeping in mind the objectives of Perspectief , I have selected five papers. As a result, the contributions come from different denominational backgrounds (Roman Catholic, Seventh Day Adventist, Orthodox, and Free Churches), as well as from different stages of the academic career ladder (PhD students, doctors, assistant and full professors). Petre Maican wrote his paper as a PhD student, but now publishes it as a doctor. Viorel Coman, too, will receive this title shortly! The authors revisit the questions concerning recognition and reception from different perspectives, demonstrating that it is not easy to define these concepts and their implications unequivocally. Many questions may arise while reading these papers. What is 1 Se e http://www.societasoecumenica.net . The European society for ecumenical research ‘Societas Oecumenica’ brings European theological faculties, ecumenical institutes, and individual scholars together for academic reflection on ecumenical theology, practice, and processes. 2 Of course, the proceedings will also include the other lectures delivered in Helsinki, such as contributions by departing president of the Societas Dagmar Heller, Marcel Hénaff (key-note lecture), and Tim and Ivana Noble.