Semper Purificanda: Accounting for Ecclesial Deformity with Bernard Lonergan

Abstract The Christian churches often not only fall short of their noble ambitions, but actively perpetuate harm. This reality must be squarely faced, and a cogent theological account this deformity forthcoming, otherwise the ecclesiological enterprise will fail. essay turns to thought Bernard Lonergan in order develop ecclesial deformity, by articulating framework for relating ideals empirical actual churches. Both ideal are required an adequate ecclesiology, either, isolation, fails truly describe church as it actually exists. sets stage undertake work beginning correct ills.