Retrieving Michael Ramsey's Paschal Ecclesiology

This thesis critically examines the ecclesiology of Michael Ramsey in the context of the contemporary koinonia ecclesiology. It is grounded in a critical account The Gospel and the Catholic Church (1936). The ecclesiological themes of his subsequent works, and his “lived ecclesiology” demonstrated in his leadership of the Church of England’s exploration of possible union with the Methodist Church between 1955 and 1972 are also considered. Ramsey’s ecclesiology is seen to be paschal in its shape and thrust, being centred upon and shaped by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The thesis brings Ramsey’s paschal ecclesiology into dialogue with three exemplars of koinonia ecclesiology: John Zizioulas, Miroslav Volf and Jean-Marie Tillard, focussing on the key areas of paschal ecclesiology, and evaluating the enduring value of Ramsey’s ecclesiology. The thesis concludes by examining the ecumenical value of Ramsey’s ecclesiology by bringing it into dialogue with two contemporary Australian ecumenical dialogues.