The official records of the Roman Catholic Church’s dialogue with the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) spanning nearly 50 years are now available in a newly published book, according to a recent Bonn Profiles press release.
The book, which is the latest volume in the World of Theology Series, compiles four major documents from the Vatican-Evangelical dialogues held between 1977 and 2016, presenting them in both English and German editions. The documents include:
• The Evangelical-Roman Catholic Dialogue on Mission (1977–1984)
• Church, Evangelisation, and the Bonds of Koinonia (1993–2002)
• Christian Witness in a Multi-Religious World (2006–2011)
• ‘Scripture and Tradition’ and ‘the Church in Salvation’ – Catholics and Evangelicals Explore Challenges and Opportunities (2009–2016)
Bishop Prof. Dr. Thomas Paul Schirrmacher, former WEA Secretary General and publisher of the book, has been among the evangelical leaders involved in these dialogues. He commented that his role began when he was asked by Professor Peter Beyerhaus to translate the initial 1977–1984 dialogue, initiated by John Stott, into German.
Schirrmacher has authored several books on Catholic theology and has maintained regular engagement with the last two popes and various Vatican dicasteries. He also led the WEA delegation that developed the 2006–2011 document, “Christian Witness in a Multi-Religious World.”
The compiled documents highlight key discussions on mission, evangelism, and theological challenges between Catholics and Evangelicals, marking significant steps toward mutual understanding and collaboration over the past five decades.
The book, which is available as free PDF download, seeks to serve as an informative resource for theologians and church leaders interested in the ongoing relationship between the Roman Catholic Church and Evangelical communities.
