Abstract

This research project is an interdisciplinary study which engages historical, theological, and liturgical analyses of the responses and reactions of the younger churches to the Lima document. The purpose of the research is to identify and to make an assessment of the concerns and issues of the younger churches regarding baptism, eucharist, and ministry presented in the responses from the perspectives of inculturation and postcolonial studies. ;In the introduction, a brief explanation of the BEM is presented. Included are discussions of the theological and historical significance of the document. ;In the second chapter, the theologies of inculturation and postcolonialism are discussed with the aim of delineating the basic discourse of contemporary inculturation and postcolonial interpretation, presenting the prospect of their application to liturgical studies. The terminology, history and significance of those theological discourses are probed for analysis. ;In chapters three through five, responses from the younger churches to the Lima Document are analyzed and discussed. Also included is discussion of the content of the Lima document and the general responses from the churches of the world. Cultural and historical analysis demonstrates that the responses concerning the issue of baptism, eucharist and ministry vary, depending upon the different traditions of those churches. In chapter six, "BEM and Modern Christian Liturgy," the value and significance of the ecumenical movement from the perspectives of Christians in the younger churches are surveyed and assessed. Also included is the distinctiveness of the responses to the Lima document from the younger churches. The writer suggests BEM as a positive challenging force for the younger churches who are seeking to identify and define their own theology and liturgy. In addition, as examples of contexualized and inculturated liturgical development in the post-colonial era, the writer introduces expressions of worship such as African American worship, Hispanic worship, and Asian American worship in the United States. ;In conclusion, the writer suggests future prospects for new paths of dialogue within ecumenism which can enthusiastically embrace more participation and further contributions from the younger churches