A Service of Love ─ Papal Primacy, the Eucharist, and Church Unity

"In three short chapters, McPartlan sums up the complicated ecclesiological problem of papal primacy and its relationship to the eucharist and church unity." —Journal of Ecumenical Studies

"This important study makes the ecclesiological thinking that has matured within the context of Catholic-Orthodox dialogue accessible to a wide readership." —Heythrop Journal

"The primacy of the Bishop of Rome is proving to be the most difficult problem in the ecumenical dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church. This issue can be solved only if the primacy is seen not merely as a juridical reality or as an external appendix to a Eucharistic ecclesiology, but is understood as founded in just such as ecclesiology. Following this line of argument, Paul McPartlan has offered a promising proposal, for which I wish to express my gratitude." —Cardinal Kurt Koch, President, Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity

"Msgr Paul McPartlan's book constitutes a significant contribution to the theological dialogue between the Roman Catholic and the Orthodox Churches. It combines valuable historical information with deep theological insights by presenting the development of papal primacy in the two millennia of Church history in close connection with collegiality and the Eucharist. A scholarly work with particular importance for the discussion of one of the most crucial issues in ecclesiology and ecumenism. It is warmly recommended for study by all those interested in the promotion of Christian unity." —Metropolitan John (Zizioulas) of Pergamon

Paul McPartlan is Carl J. Peter Professor of Systematic Theology and Ecumenism at the Catholic University of America. He is a member of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Roman Catholic church and the Orthodox Church.