"Reflecting on a lifetime call for Christian unity, Tear Down These Walls is a must-read for anyone who has a ministry call of healing wounds in the body of Christ. This work invites us into the life-giving relationships made possible by a Christ who calls every part of his church to follow him more closely, and in that process to love their fellow Christians more deeply."
-Alexei Laushkin, founder, Kingdom Mission Society
A fascinating and awesome book which-taking start from the narration of the biographical events that led the author to a lifelong commitment to the cause of ecumenism-provides an honest and insightful glance at the issues at stake in the journey to unity. Bridging past and future, personal conversion and ecclesial identity, biblical perspective and confessional sources from various Christian traditions, the book proposes the key concepts of a 'new ecumenism, ' such as 'missional ecumenism, ' 'cooperative love, ' 'relational unity, ' and calls for a concrete individual and communal involvement in the ecumenical enterprise that is costly, but possible.
-Teresa Francesca Rossi, associate director, Centro Pro Unione, Rome
"Armstrong lays out his passion for ecumenism and rehearses much of his personal journey from a rigid, doctrinaire stance to an open appreciation of and readiness to work with (and learn from) Christians of all sorts of backgrounds. He invites readers to embrace what he has styled 'missional ecumenism, ' an approach to seeking the unity of Christ's followers that is deeply relational and welcoming. This book offers renewed hope for the ecumenical future."
-James R. Payton Jr., professor, McMaster Divinity College
"Through his very rich faith experiences, Armstrong shares keen insights into the crucial work of the ecumenical movement for the twenty-first century. For anyone who wholeheartedly accepts Jesus' words, 'That they may be one, ' Tear Down these Walls is an engaging and encouraging read. In a secularized world searching for answers, Christian unity is essential for the new evangelization. Tear Down these Walls provides a hope-filled framework for the task that lies before us: to give witness to the power of unity we have in Christ in overcoming the divisions that have plagued the Christian church for over one thousand years."
-Mitchell T. Rozanski, archbishop of St. Louis, Missouri
"Tear Down the Walls is an ecumenical memoir in which John Armstrong (once again) invites us to participate in costly unity for the love of God and others. As a dear friend, John has helped lead me into a deeper historical, theological, and practical understanding of Jesus' high priestly prayer in John 17, and this great work has certainly contributed to that process. Tear Down the Walls will leave you challenged, convicted, and encouraged!"
-Jeff Gokee, executive director, PhoenixONE
"Promoting Christian unity begins with spiritual ecumenism. Armstrong's theological story teaches that Christian unity is the result of grace, not works. The unity Christ wills for his church displays to the world a revelation about the nature of God. 'Missional ecumenism' is grounded in the nature of God expressed as 'relational love.' If Christians abide in God-love, the unity Christ prayed for will make it more possible for the world to believe."
-Thomas A. Baima, provost, University of Saint Mary of the Lake