The Ecumenism of Beauty

A landmark book on the role of visual arts, beauty and aesthetics in ecumenical exchange.

For the 500th Commemoration Year of the Reformation
In a visual age, this book shares the belief that beauty and art can bridge differences. Essays from catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and Protestant artists, scholars, clergy and theologians explore beauty as a means to unify the body of Christ. The occasion of the Reformation commemoration year offers a time to reflect on the rich artistic heritage shared by all Christians and an opportunity to learn from other traditions.

"The Ecumenism of Beauty is a call to the church to again embrace the arts in service to its liturgy and mission." —Sandra Bowden, Collector, Curator and Past President of Christians in the Visual Arts

Essays include Calvin and the Visual Arts: The Aesthetics of Soli Deo Gloria, The Artist as Contemplative, and Art and the Liturgy.

Contributors to this book include:
Timothy Verdon, Editor — Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Director (Florence, Italy)
William Dyrness — Fuller Theological Seminary, Professor of Theology
Jérôme Cottin — University of Strasbourg, Professor of Practical Theology
Susan S. Kanaga
Filippo Rossi
Martin Shannon

Released during the 500th commemoration year of the Reformation, this publication is part of a larger symposium in 2017, The Arts and Ecumenism — What Theology Risks in Artistic Creation, with academic presentations in Paris, Strasbourg, and Florence, and an art exhibit at Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Florence, Italy. The symposium also includes panel discussions and sessions at the Yale Institute of Sacred Music in New Haven and in Orleans, MA. The symposium is promoted by Catholic and Protestant schools of theology together with Mount Tabor Centre for Art and Spirituality, Barga, Italy and Orleans, MA. The authors of this book are Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and Protestant artists, scholars, and clergy who will take part in this symposium.

The work of contributors Susan S. Kanaga and Filippo Rossi is currently on display at the Grande Museo del Duomo in Florence, Italy. For more information visit artsandecumenism.org.