Book on Avery Dulles’ Theology of Communication Released at CBCI Headquarters

New Delhi, July 14: A new scholarly work exploring the theological foundations of Church communication was released at the headquarters of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), highlighting the central role of communication in the Church's identity, mission, and evangelising ministry.

Communication Theology of Avery Dulles, authored by Dr John Paul Herman, SVD, was formally released on July 11 by Bishop Rayarala Vijaya Kumar of Srikakulam, Chairman of the CBCI Office for Social Communications and NISCORT. The first copy of the book was presented to Dr Natasha Govekar, Director of the Theological-Pastoral Department of the Vatican's Dicastery for Communication.

The release ceremony was organised by Fr Dr Mathew Koyickal, Secretary General of the CBCI, and was attended by Fr Biju Alappat, Executive Secretary of the CBCI Office for Social Communications, Dr Babu Joseph, SVD, former CBCI Public Relations Officer and Director of Sadbhavana, Delhi, along with priests, religious, media professionals, and communication scholars.

Drawing inspiration from the ecclesiological thought of Cardinal Avery Dulles, the book proposes six complementary models of Church communication: the Institutional Model, the Herald Model, the Sacramental Model, the Mystical Communion Model, the Servant Model, and the Community of Disciples Model. Through these models, the author argues that communication is not merely an administrative or pastoral function but is intrinsic to the Church's very nature and mission.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Herman said the work builds upon Cardinal Dulles' influential theological vision, particularly his landmark book Models of the Church, to demonstrate how each ecclesial model embodies a distinctive way of communicating the Gospel and fostering communion among the People of God.

The author noted that the publication is especially relevant to the Church's ongoing journey of synodality, offering theological insights into communication as a means of strengthening participation, communion, and mission. By integrating theology with contemporary communication studies, the book addresses key issues related to evangelisation, pastoral ministry, digital communication, and ecclesial leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.

The publication is expected to serve as a valuable resource for theologians, seminarians, religious, communication professionals, pastoral leaders, and students seeking a deeper understanding of the theological dimensions of communication and its significance in the Church's mission.

Cardinal Avery Dulles (1918–2008), whose thought forms the foundation of the book, was one of the most influential Catholic theologians of the twentieth century. A Jesuit priest and renowned ecclesiologist, he authored more than 22 books and over 700 scholarly articles. His seminal work, Models of the Church (1974), remains one of the most widely studied texts in Catholic ecclesiology. In 2001, Pope John Paul II elevated him to the College of Cardinals, making him the first American theologian to receive the honour without being ordained a bishop.

The release of Communication Theology of Avery Dulles marks a significant contribution to contemporary Catholic theological scholarship, inviting the Church to reflect more deeply on communication as an essential expression of its life, witness, and mission in the digital age.

By Catholic Connect Reporter