ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the notion of ecumenical theology concerning the changing ecclesial landscapes in sub-Saharan Africa. It focuses on academic reflections on ecumenical theology while being mindful of the many levels to ecumenical activity, including institutional and grassroots ecumenism amongst others. The chapter asks explicitly what doing theology ecumenically might look like within an African context. It argues for ecumenical theology as a self-consciously contextual and constructive reflection and search for the common Christian theological heritage in an eschatological perspective amidst diverse theological traditions and Christianity. The chapter discusses the challenges facing ecumenism in Africa’s changing religious and ecclesial landscapes with specific reference to the complexity and vast diversity of Christianities. It also highlights the broad contours of ecumenical theology in Africa. Given the integral relation between ecclesiology and ethics, and between church and theology in African theology, doing ecumenical theology in Africa may also be understood as a soteriological discourse rooted in the African context.
