«Groupe des Dombes»

The Author: Catherine E. Clifford is Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology at Saint Paul University, Ottawa. She holds an S.T.L. from the University of Fribourg, Switzerland and a Ph.D. in theology from the University of St. Michael’s College, Toronto. She has been a member of the Anglican-Roman Catholic Dialogue of Canada since 1993, and she has published articles in Theological Studies, Journal of Ecumenical Studies, One in Christ, and Laval théologique et philosophique.

«This is simply to indicate that I highly recommend the publication of Catherine Clifford’s very impressive work, ‘The Groupe des Dombes: A Dialogue of Conversion’ with Peter Lang publishers. I was a reader of this work when it was submitted as a doctoral dissertation, and I found it illuminating, informative, and completely reliable in its use of the methodological work of Bernard Lonergan. It was for adjudicating the use of Lonergan that I was chosen as a reader, and I found Ms Clifford’s understanding of Lonergan’s work and application of it to ecumenical understanding to be accurate and persuasive. I heartily endorse publication of this work.» (Robert M. Doran Professor Regis College, University of Toronto Director, Lonergan Research Institute, Toronto)«The contribution of the ‘Groupe des Dombes’ toward the unity of Christians has been, and continues to be, exceptional: their method can serve as a model for all dialogues, their insights can enrich every community. Catherine Clifford presents the history and the doctrinal positions of the ‘Groupe’ in a clear, competent, and scholarly manner – at a time when the ecumenical movement is seemingly slowing down. Her work, however, speaks of a success achieved by quiet pioneers endowed with ‘holy imagination’, resilience, and energy – qualities commonly recognized as the gifts of the Spirit. She brings to the attention of English speaking Christians a source of inspiration and hope.» (Ladislas Orsy, SJ, Professor of Canon Law, Georgetown University Law Center)«Catherine Clifford’s book clarifies the centrality of conversion within all of the theological tasks related to ecumenical dialogue. The author reveals the debt owed by ecumenical dialogue to the Groupe des Dombes, and she relates her work to a wider theological discussion through the use of Bernard Lonergan as an analytic tool.» (Dr. Margaret O’Gara, Professor of Theology, Faculty of Theology, University of St. Michael’s College, Toronto, Canada)