Chapter Fourteen. An Asymptotic Dialogue? A Response To Jeffrey Gros

This chapter talks about asymptotic dialogue, and focuses on three major issues: (1) the reception of dialogues by the churches involved; (2) the role of ecclesial self-understanding in dialogue; and (3) more specifically the relation between unity and diversity. In the chapter, the author responds to the rich contribution of Jeffrey Gros, and more specifically, to the three challenges. The discussions about church unity are far more than an interesting academic exchange about theological concepts that are based on thorough historical explorations and nuanced interpretations of authoritative texts. Their horizon is determined by Christian people on the grassroots level who simply are no longer able to understand why disunity should be accepted, by a society in need of a reliable message of hope. Church unity has to be part of this message, if relevant at all. That is also why in the long run we cannot afford an asymptotic dialogue. Keywords: asymptotic dialogue; church unity; Jeffrey Gros; Roman Catholic Church