Missionary ecclesiology : a perspective from history

Abstract

The concept of a missionary ecclesiology is analysed according to the statement of Vatican II that the church is missionary by its very nature. The analysis is approached from the perspective of history, since the historical context is deemed to have played an important role in determining the nature of the missionary church. After World War II the concept changed dramatically as a result of decolonisation and the growth of liberation theology. The author supports Boff’s conclusion that the church is “a community organized for liberation”. In the context of the article the concept of “freedom” rather than liberation is preferred, and the demands this makes on our understanding of a missionary church are indicated.