Browsing by Author "Le Bruyns, Clint"

Now showing 1 - 7 of 7
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    Ecclesia de Eucharistia - on the criteria for intercommunion
    (Pieter de Waal Neethlingh Trust, 2003) Le Bruyns, Clint
    In contemporary ecumenism, papal encyclicals are read and assessed as ecumenical theological statements on matters of grave importance. Ecclesia de Eucharistia, released in April 2003, is penned by John Paul II and concerns itself with the Eucharist and its relationship to the Church. Since the day it was released, various initial reactions from different Christian churches have begun pouring in. Virtually all of these statements highlight what the respective denominations identify as the most critical as well as lamentable section: the pope’s remarks on the longstanding ecumenical discourse on Eucharistic hospitality (or sharing). This article focuses on Ecclesia de Eucharistia for an ecumenical critique of the relevant statements around intercommunion as well as its impact on future ecumenical relations.
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    Human dignity and moral renewal
    (Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology, 2007) Le Bruyns, Clint
    The pathway adopted by South Africa to give serious attention to the challenge of moral transformation as a public responsibility that is affirming of life is explored in this article.  In the first place, the historical journey on this moral road since it initiative by Nelson Mandela in the late nineties is summarised. In the second place, the resourcefulness of the churches and other faith communities for their moral import is probed. In the third place, attention to the possibility of an ethic of human solidarity for renewing the moral fibre of the nation, with special reference to insights from Karl Barth, is discussed. In the fourth and fifth places, the notion of transcendence as a potential cornerstone for affirming life and seeking moral renewal, drawing on insights from Paul Tillich and Reinhold Niebuhr, is proposed.
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    Industrial theology in South Africa : problems, priorities and prospects
    (Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology, 2006) Le Bruyns, Clint
    This paper discusses the nature and role of industrial theology in South Africa against the broader theme of the vocation of the theologian in South Africa after ten years of democracy and its implications for teaching theology. I reflect on the state of theological reflection in South Africa on issues pertaining to the world of work, and identify what I contend to be problems and priorities confronting industrial theologians in South Africa. Then I highlight some ways in which the world of work can be integrated into the activities of theological training and ministerial formation.
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    The Papacy as ecumenical challenge : contemporary Anglican and Protestant perspectives on the Petrine Ministry
    (Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2004-12) Le Bruyns, Clint; Smit, D. J.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology.
    This dissertation explores how Anglican and Protestant church perspectives on the papacy are increasingly changing, as they identify the need for and value of a universal ministry of unity that may potentially be recognised in the future as a legitimate and propitious structure of ministry, though not without modification.
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    Public morality and the Petrine ministry : a protestant perspective on a renewed moral papacy
    (Department of Old and New Testament, Stellenbosch University, 2003) Le Bruyns, Clint
    The vast array of problems and challenges plaguing South African society can only be confronted by a new working relationship between different ecclesial traditions. With church division and fragmentation seriously impeding constructive engagement in the public morality sphere, the present moment demands that churches seek new and creative ways of dealing with old problems for the sake of the common good. The purpose of this article is to provide an ecumenical ethic that may assist Protestants and Catholics in their mutual desire for moral integrity in the public arena. To proceed in this fashion necessitates a reflection on the Petrine ministry, which presently features as the greatest ecumenical problem in Protestant-Catholic relations. Yet, with recent decades reflecting a growing tendency for Protestants to view the Petrine ministry as an authentic and potentially propitious structure of the churches, this former stumbling block may very well become a new stepping stone in Protestant-Catholic efforts at public morality in the South African context. This article will attempt to build a case for Protestants to accept the Petrine office as a Petrine service of moral leadership that may potentially benefit all churches, albeit not in its present form.
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    Women, the Vatican, and hope for the future : an ecumenical process
    (Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology, 2006) Le Bruyns, Clint
    The prevailing position against women's ordination to the ministerial priesthood in the Roman Catholic Church presents itself as an ongoing ecumenical dilemma within and beyond its ecclesial borders. This paper is critical of current attempts at defending or opposing the Vatican ban for different reasons as these do not contribute constructively to unlocking the deadlock. Instead, this paper recommends that the Vatican engages in a strategic process with its dissenters and the broader Christian communion as a point of departure towards a more promising way forward.
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    Women, the Vatican, and hope for the future : an ecumenical quagmire
    (Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology, 2004) Le Bruyns, Clint
    The prevailing position against women’s ordination to the ministerial priesthood in the Roman Catholic Church presents itself as an ongoing ecumenical dilemma within and beyond its ecclesial borders. This paper provides an overview of the ‘official’ position of Rome in teaching and defending the church’s view against the ordination of women, even in the midst of great dissent among its members. Then it proceeds to lay a basic foundation for legitimately and respectfully offering an ecumenical contribution. Finally it considers several challenges that confront the ecumenical community in engaging an ecumenical response.