The Collected Works of Edward Schillebeeckx Volume 9

Book excerpt: The Church with a Human Face: A New Expanded Theology of Ministry elaborates historically and theologically the main line of his argument. It further includes reactions and reflections on criticism he received. The work outlines the evolution of ecclesiastical office, starting with Jesus Christ and his messianic community, followed by a description of the practice and theology of ministry in the early Christian communities, and tracing different forms of ministry in the history of the Church. Of particular interest is the section on the 'Complaints of the People', which deals with the discontent of many connected with the position of women and married priests. As long as women are not allowed to participate fully in the decisions of the Church, Schillebeeckx argues, they will not be liberated, and their complaints will remain a fundamental charge that challenges the church.