A collection of essays and assessments in which scholars from a variety of denominational, geographical and ecclesiological backgrounds attempt to discern the significance of the 2006 document 'Nature and Mission of the Church from the World Council of Churches', thereby offering doctrinal, theological and hermeneutical perspectives and analysis on its formation and content. The essays also seek to discern the potential ecumenical ramifications of the document. These contributions also address futures for ecumenical dialogue and the development of an ecumenical ecclesiology in general.This is an apposite and timely collection of responses which includes contributions from those who witnessed its launch in the context of the WCC in 2006 at Porte Allegre. Whilst so many books on the church already exist, the focused nature of the proposed volume, as well as the international, and broad denominational range of the contributors, makes this volume unique. In addition, the proposed volume is not, primarily, an historical study, but rather an ecclesiological study, and its original form is further accentuated.