I Laici nella Chiesa come costruttori di comunione: La Chiesa antica
Lay people in the Church as builders of communion: The ancient Church

Summary/Abstract: The study begins with a brief history of the formation of the concepts and terms of “clergy” and “laity” in the Church of the first centuries, then moving on to analyze the case, considered exemplary, of the relations between the Egyptian monasticism of the IV-V century (lay) and the institutional Church (episcopate). In a situation of strong ecclesial divisions, due to the spread of Christological heresies and the consequent political and ecclesial struggles, the cultural operation implemented by Athanasius of Alexandria meant that the strong popularity and the deep charismatic nature of the lay monastic movement was turned in a valid support to the institutional Church, developing forms of collaboration and complementarity and leaving aside opposing identities and practices. Similarly, albeit with due distinctions, the study analyzes briefly the realities of contemporary ecclesial movements and the resources they represent for the pastoral and missionary potential of the Church in our day. Also in this case, a correct relationship between charism and institution is necessary, not conflicting but complementary and mutually respectful.

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