Communion Ecclesiology and Social Transformation in African Catholicism

“Communion Ecclesiology and Social Transformation in African Catholicism is very timely for a serious study in ecclesiology. This work by Idara Otu is based on a systematic, biblical, and historical study of Catholic theology. Its possibilities for Christian theology are enormous. Anyone interested in the convergence and influence of three momentous events (Vatican II, the First African Synod, and the Second African Synod) on African ecclesial life will appreciate this well-researched work.”


—Cyril Orji, University of Dayton





“With depth and breadth Idara Otu traces the meaning of trinitarian communion ecclesiology for the church of Africa from the Second Vatican Council through the First and Second African Synods. He makes an outstanding contribution to scholarship on the reception of Vatican II and the relationship between the internal constitution of the church and its ad extra mission.”


—Darren Dias, OP, University of St Michael’s College, Toronto





“Many progressive theologians were silent during Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI’s attempt to lasso the hermeneutics of Vatican II with communion ecclesiology. In turn, these theologians now feel safe to come out and criticize it. Sidestepping these controversies, this author presents a fresh and thoughtful presentation of communion ecclesiology that grounds it contextually in the African theology of family. By doing so, he offers an alternative to some of the more idealistic expressions of communion.”


—John D. Dadosky, Regis College/University of Toronto