Individual churches today have a lively ecumenical consciousness, but they often express anxieties about what will become of them in a future united Church. Questions are being asked about the goal of such unity. In this book, G. R. Evans asks what we mean by 'a church', and how different Christian bodies have understood the way 'a church' is related to 'the Church'. She surveys the nature of unity and what the fullness of the communion being reached for might consist of; the place of diversity of faith and order in a united Church, or ways in which there can go on being many churches in one Church and how they might be related to it; and questions about the common structures one Church would need, and the way in which it could come to think and act as a single 'body' of Christ. The book concludes with a discussion of the concept of 'communion', which now looks very hopeful ecumenically as a guide to the way forward.

"...an important work. Evan's thorough knowledge of history and her familiarity with the present ecumenical scene combine to make an invaluable contribution to ecumenical ecclesiology." Theological Studies

"...Evans has provided a strikingly full survey of many of the central issues in ecumenical ecclesiology." Modern Theology

"...a formidable work. Evans is widely read, ranging back and forth from Augustine to the World Council and John Paul II, Joseph Ratzinger to the Rastafarians....a product of impeccable and prodigious scholarship, and scrupulously impartial." Donald Nugent, Church History

"This is a timely book that is full of fascinating historical data and thought-provoking insights." Sara Butler, M.S.B.T., Journal of Ecumenical Studies

"I strongly recommend this book as nearly indispensable for anyone doing ecumenical studies in general or ecclesiology in particular....the book amply displays the historical acumen of its author and her remarkable control of so much of the ecumenical literature....This book is a significant contribution to the task of first identifying and then confronting that untidiness and provisionality." Richard P. McBrien, The Journal of Religion