With a Preface from Cardinal Stanisław Ryłko, President Pontifical Council for the Laity
The emergence of the new ecclesial movements must be seen within the context of the whole Church and within the context of our times. What is often said of them is that they are not simply human efforts to do something in and for the Church, but they have emerged as a work of the Spirit of God. They are testimony that the Holy Spirit poured out on the Apostles at Pentecost is still a present and active force in the Church, blowing where he will. The new movements are one of the “surprises” of the Spirit. This extraordinary action of God in our time confirms the words of the Prophet Isaiah: “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Is, 43:19-21) Many ask about the place of the new movements in the Church. Are they a completely new reality or is there an historical precedent? How does the Church view the movements? This book examines the emergence of the new movements in the Church in recent times and their significance for the life and mission of the Church.
"This is most complete, best researched, and most up to date presentation of the New Communities I have read. In a few pages Bishop Julian manages to introduce us to this new springtime for the Church in a worldwide perspective, giving a pastoral vision of the strengths and of the points of attention he has observed. The book helps us to discover a wonderful hope and a great trust in the Holy Spirit who constantly renews the Church."
Jean-Luc Moens, Emmanuel Community, Paris
"In his reflection on the Ecclesial Movements in the life of the Church, Bishop Porteous opens a window on the creative and transforming power of the Holy Spirit working in the Church in our day. In many different and unique ways, the message is the same – lives are transformed and in the process a new missionary energy is ignited."
Ralph Martin, a founder of Word of God Community, Ann Arbor
"This is the book for those wishing to understand the significance of the emergence of “ecclesial movements” in the Church. Bishop Julian has a profound grasp of the international scope of this development and provides a remarkably helpful description of the main movements as well as a nuanced historical, theological and pastoral interpretation."
Shayne Bennett, Moderator of Emmanuel Community, Brisbane
"Bishop Porteous has done us a great service. This book explains well how the new ecclesial movements are a precious gift to the Church, and shows clearly their significance for the Church's mission today. His insights will help us all reflect more deeply upon the grace of the movements, and will assist the members of the movements to situate themselves confidently within the whole life the Church."
Fr Ken Barker, Founder of Missionaries of God’s Love
"There is little doubt in my mind that the New Movements are from the Holy Spirit. The unique feature seems to be the lay inspiration and leadership. The Church will be renewing itself from below."
Archbishop Barry Hickey, Perth, Western Australia.
Most Rev Julian Porteous BTheol DD VG was born in Sydney in 1949. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Sydney in 1974. Bishop Porteous served as Assistant Priest in a number of parishes. He has been actively involved in evangelisation, particularly among young people. He has been an advocate of the New Evangelisation called for by Pope John Paul II and was involved with the early development of communities in Sydney. He continues to have association with a number of ecclesial movements. He was appointed Rector of the Seminary of the Good Shepherd, Sydney, in January 2002 and served in this role until the end of 2008. Pope John Paul II named him Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney in July 2003. Bishop Porteous has published a number of books including, St Brendan's, a Journey: The Story of an Australian Catholic Parish 1898 - 1998 (1997); The New Evangelisation, Developing Evangelical Preaching (2008); After the Heart of God: the Life and Ministry of Priests at the Beginning of the Third Millennium (2009).
