The term denomination is now widely used to describe a Christian community or church. But what is a denomination? In this highly creative collection of essays representatives of all major Christian traditions give an answer to this question. What does the term mean in their own tradition? And does that tradition understand itself to be a denomination? If so, what is that understanding of denomination; and if not, how does the tradition understand itself vis vis those churches which do and those churches which do not understand themselves as denominations? In dialogue with the argument and ideas set forth in Barry Ensign-Georges essay each essay offers a response from the perspective of a particular church (tradition). Each essay also consider questions concerning the current landscape of ecumenical dialogue; ecumenical method and the goals of the ecumenical movement; also questions of Christian identity and belonging

Author Biography

Barry Ensign-George is a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), which he serves as Associate for Theology in the denomination's Office of Theology & Worship. His reaserch is focused on ecclesiology, particularly on formulating a theological assessment of denomination as an ecclesiological category. Revd Dr Paul M. Collins, is a priest in the Church of England, and a Reader in Theology at the University of Chichester, UK. His main works to date are Trinitarian Theology West and East: Karl Barth, the Cappadocian Fathers and John Zizioulas (2001), Context, Culture and Worship: The Quest for Indian-ness (2006). Secretary of the new formed Ecclesiological Investigations Network.