The Eucharist and Primacy in the Thought of J.-M. R. Tillard

Abstract

In recent decades, eucharistic ecclesiology has helped advance ecumenical relations, especially between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. Hence, there is hope that a eucharistic understanding of the Church can help overcome remaining divisions between these two Churches. Universal primacy remains one of the most disputed issues in ecumenical dialogue. Approaching universal primacy from a eucharistic perspective may prove invaluable for resolving ecumenical conflict. Accordingly, this paper seeks to contribute to a eucharistic understanding of universal primacy through a study of the thought of J.-M. R. Tillard, a Catholic theologian and ecumenist, who wrote extensively on the Eucharist, ecclesiology, and primacy.