Bound Together

Bound Together is a unique resource that addresses the intrinsic relationship between social justice issues and local faith and ecumenical community building. Bos articulates the theological warrants for ecumenical and interfaith ministry at a local level, showing how neighboring congregations of various denominations or faiths, simply by virtue of their common relationship to a surrounding community, have a theological connection that can cooperatively undergird joint ministry ventures. He explores how congregations or denominations of the same or different faiths can combine their resources and design a common strategy or program in response to the needs and assets of their particular community. To demonstrate, he takes a close look at both the African American denominations and the theology of the laity movement.

""Bound Together is a rich, shared theological theme, since all religions make the rather astounding claim that we are born to belonging in creation understood as nothing less than a cosmic community . . . Bos moves with fine ease between local faith communities and society in terms of shared bonds.""
--from the Foreword

""Bos's long personal involvement in ecumenical and interfaith 'community ministry' undergirds his exploration of history and his dialogue with the sociological, theological, and biblical resources of the past half century.""
--Margaret Orr Thomas, former Chair, National Council of Churches'
Commission on Interfaith Relations

""As a founder of one of the earliest community ministries in North America and as a scholar who has studied both here and abroad, Bos has been able to weave a book that provides theological underpinnings to one of the most unsung movements in American life.""
--Arleon L. Kelley, past President, National Association of Ecumenical and Interreligious Staff

""Bound Together is an important theological resource for the student and community ministry practitioner alike.""
--David A. Leslie, Executive Director, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon

A. David Bos is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and founder of Interfaith Community Ministries Network. He is the author of A Practical Guide to Community Ministry (1993).