This article attempts to bring more clearly into light Yves Congar's contribution to Lumen gentium. During the preparatory period of the council, Congar contributed some vota which influenced the De ecclesia schema of 1962, but more important were his theological publications which helped form the ecclesiological vision of many bishops. During Vatican II, his informal contribution through unofficial meetings and lectures gradually was replaced by a direct role in drafting and revising texts. His influence can be seen principally in the (...) first two chapters of Lumen gentium, rendering it more biblical and patristic and placing into relief 1) the priority of grace over structure, 2) the historicity of the Church, giving better expression to its humanity and catholicity, and 3) its essentially missionary nature. (shrink)

This article maintains that the theme of «unity in diversity» is at the heart of Vatican II's Unitatis redintegratio. The first part of Chapter Three of that decree, treating the legitimate variety between the Churches of the East and of the West, illustrates how diversity can be compatible with and even enrich unity. The second part of that chapter suggests that the key to overcoming unacceptable diversity is ecumenical dialogue. Two major fruits of such dialogue are the Faith and Order (...) Commission's text Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry and the Lutheran-Catholic Joint Declaration on Justification . Both of these texts lead to the conclusion that an ecclesial process of discernment is the fundamental means by which unity in diversity is maintained in the Church. For its part, agreement about ecclesial discernment ultimately rests upon agreement about the ministry of episcope or oversight. (shrink)