Vladimir Latinovic teaches Patristics and Church History at the University of Tübingen, Germany.

Gerard Mannion holds the Joseph and Winifred Amaturo Chair in Catholic Studies at Georgetown University, USA. He is also Founding Chair of the Ecclesiological Investigations International Research Network.

Jason Welle, O.F.M., is Dean of Studies at the Pontifical Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies in Rome, Italy.

Explores a range of ecumenical readings of Vatican II

Looks at issues such as ethics, social justice, church-world dynamics, and economic activity

Considers ongoing promise as well as remaining challenges with regard to ecumenical issues

Introduction: 1. How a Church Opened its Doors - Gerard Mannion.- 2. Deconstructing and Reconstructing a Cliché - On Vatican II as a "Pastoral Council": John O'Malley, S.J..- 3. Benedict XV - A Most Unexpected Architect of Vatican II: Agnes de Dreuzy.- 4. Gaudium et Spes and the Opening to the World: Charles E. Curran.- 5. Economic Activity in Gaudium et Spes: Opening to the World or Theological Vocation?: Matthew A. Shadle.- 6. Women during and after Vatican II: Patricia Madigan, O.P..-7. Opening to the World: A Reformed Feminist Posture of Openness: Mary McClintock Fulkerson.- 8. Tensions Over 'Feminism', U.S. Women Religious, and the Contested Reception of Vatican II: Anne E. Patrick, S.N.J.M..- 9. Women and the Art of Magisterium: Reflections on Vatican II and the Postconciliar Church: Gerard Mannion.- 10. We are the Church - The Church in Dialogue in Papua: Jan Nielen.- 11. Mary as Type and Model of Church in Lumen Gentium -Reception in Asia: Agnes M. Brazal.- 12. From The Cardinal to The Shoes of the Fisherman: Hollywood's Curious Fascination with Vatican II: Paul G. Monson.- 13. Bridges and Doors: An Ecumenical Reading of Vatican II: Dale T. Irvin.- 14. Vatican II - A Shift in the Attitude of the Roman Catholic Church towards the Reformation Churches? - A Protestant Perspective: Dagmar Heller.- 15. The Russian Orthodox Observers at Vatican II in the Context of Soviet Religious Politics: Anastacia Wooden.- 16. Vatican II and the Redefinition of Anglicanism: Mark D. Chapman.- 17. Surveying the Impact of Unitatis Redintegratio: Achieved Convergences - Current Processes - Open Questions: Dorothea Sattler.- 18. A Patroness for the Council? Building a Movement for Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Aid of Church Unity: Patrick J. Hayes.- 19. The Ecumenical Imperative after Vatican II: Achievements and Challenges: Susan Wood, S.C.L..- 20. Remembering the Future: Church and Churches Towards Multi-Faceted Unity: Cardinal Walter Kasper.- 21. Epilogue: Brian Flanagan.