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singularity of ecclesial fullness as found only in the RCC continues to frustrate the dialogue. We
must continue to argue that the institutional model of unity and apostolicity is a defective
ecclesiology which fractures rather than unifies the Church of Jesus Christ.
2) The Connection of salvation and grace to the community of God, the Church: In spite of
the fact that Roman Catholic ecclesiology disconnects it from the rest of the Church, there is
value in the clear and consistent connection made by Catholic theology between salvation and
the Church. Christ does work through the Church and manifest his presence in the Church in a
way he does nowhere else. American Evangelicals have a heritage of individuality that tends to
diminish the necessity of the community of Gods people for the full experience of the grace of
God. DI reiterates strongly the necessity of community for believers to experience Gods
ongoing self-revelation in Christ.
3) An increasingly positive evaluation of Protestants: Despite the somewhat condescending
contention that Protestant "ecclesial communities" derive our efficacy from our "anonymous"
connection to the Roman Church, where the fullness of grace and truth reside, we can appreciate
no longer being considered separated brethren, the Vatican II label, but as other Christians. Our
baptism incorporates us truly into Christ, resulting in a real, if incomplete, communion with the
Church. Moreover, Christ uses Protestant communities as a means of salvation. Surely these
concessions are a far cry from even mid 20
th
century condemnations of Protestants as members
of a false Christianity, and reveal more openness even than Vatican II.
4) The challenge to revisit biblical paradigms: On the issue of salvation, both particularists
and those who lean toward universalism must struggle with the tension of paradoxical biblical
statements, some that speak of an elect community of the saved, and others that reflect Gods
desire for all to be saved. The recurring emphasis of recent RCC theology is that Gods