Editorial

Ecumenical Review, The, July, 2000 by Tom Best

As readers (and indeed almost everyone involved in the ecumenical movement worldwide) know by now, Marlin VanElderen, WCC Publications editor and managing editor of The Ecumenical Review, died suddenly on Monday, 12 June. Our previous issue included, in offprint form, the moving tribute to Marlin by Konrad Raiser, general secretary of the World Council of Churches and editor of this journal.

It is appropriate, I think, in this first issue prepared since Marlin's death to add a few words from the special perspective of the Review. The affection and respect in which Marlin was held within the WCC and far beyond sprang not least from his tireless, creative and courageous work on The Ecumenical Review. Here, of course, came to full expression his uncanny ability to help others "have their say" in the clearest, most direct and most effective way possible. But Marlin's contribution to the life of the Review went beyond his formidable editorial skills. He was close, as only an unfailingly supportive and encouraging colleague can be, to those who worked directly with him. And he was close, as only a demanding and caring editor can be, to authors -- and I think I am not the only one -- whose manuscripts were sometimes late, and twice too long to boot.

It was symbolic of Marlin's commitment to the Review (not to mention his working style!) that at the time of his death, plans for the next several issues were complete, or else well in hand. I am happy to say that through the year 2001, those who continue in the work will have the honour of bringing Marlin's immediate legacy to this journal into print.

This brings us to the present issue of the Review. One of Marlin's favourite sayings (it has appeared in various forms at various stages of the ecumenical movement) was this: "In drawing near to Christ, we draw near to each other." Marlin's steady centre was Christ; but it was the human dimension of issues and events, however grand or small, which stirred his passion and called forth his ecumenical engagement day by day.

Thus it is fitting that we begin with two articles on the subject of dialogue. Given by senior WCC and Roman Catholic officials at the most recent meeting of the Joint Working Group between the World Council of Churches and the Roman Catholic Church, these explore the meaning of dialogue in theological -- and human -- terms, and call for a fresh study of the nature and purpose of ecumenical "dialogue". (Do we actually know what this term means? Dare we find out?)

A second set of essays comes from an ecumenical seminar held in 1999 at the monastic community of Bose, Italy, focusing on the Russian Orthodox Church in the 20th century. These papers explore the suffering, witness, problems, promise and great potential of this, the largest WCC member church. They are surprising and challenging by turns, and may serve to shatter many a stereotype.

In a third set of essays we are pleased to present three written in tribute to one of the great mission and united church figures of the 20th century, Lesslie Newbigin. (We commend to your attention two additional articles being published to this end in our sister publication, the International Review of Mission). These are followed by two further mission-related articles addressing issues posed especially by the Orthodox and Pentecostal churches.

Four additional papers round out the issue. The first is by a distinguished predecessor of Marlin VanElderen at the Review and a WCC Publications editor. Typically it tackles arguably the most original topic of the century, inviting us to consider the mysterious biblical figure of Melchizidek as an "ecumenical paradigm". (There is also here, for those who have eyes to see, a challenge to the mission thinking of the churches.) Another essay explores fresh and stimulating ways of understanding the Christian faith in today's "post-Christendom" context. The final two essays are creative exercises in ecumenical remembering. One deals with a remarkable and visionary Roman Catholic figure from the early days of the century. The other traces a more recent vision of how the gospel may be put into practise even in the secular, alien world of credit and finance. (But wait a moment! "secular"? "alien"? How many of the parables of Jesus have to do with credit and finance, with stewardship and management?)

To all our authors, sincere thanks for their contributions to the ecumenical discussion and memory. And personally, in conclusion:

Marlin, my friend: rest in peace; rest in light; rest until the glorious resurrection of the sons and daughters of God.