International Religious Networks
ISBN: , SKU: , PUBLISHER: Ecclesiastical History Society, The international religious networks explored in this volume range from the cults of early medieval saints to the ecumenical networks and friendships which developed in the twentieth century. They could be networks of ideas or of people, or most commonly they involved both. The networks could be supported through formal organizations, institutions and bureaucracies, or through more informal personal ties, such as friendships and acquaintances. International religious networks might sustain a particular interest group, sect or denomination, or they could aspire to be ecumenical and all-encompassing, reaching beyond traditional institutional and religious boundaries. They might be created by, or around, a single individual, they could span an entire institutionally organized church, or potentially they could hope to include the whole of Christendom, and even aim to connect a range of different world religions. They might be made up of largely like-minded individuals sharing largely similar perspectives, or they could bring diverse individuals and groups together to focus on a specific religious issue, concern or personality. JEREMY GREGORY is Professor of the History of Christianity at the University of Manchester. HUGH MCLEOD is Emeritus Professor of Church History at the University of Birmingham.