This manuscript would not be possible without the wisdom, generosity, patience, and support of my doctoral mentor, Dr. Cecil M. Robeck. His boundless energy for ecumenism and his passion for seeking the unity of the church is infectious to say the least. The hours spent in conversation and the opportunities that he provided for experience in dialogue and for observation of the International Roman Catholic-Pentecostal Dialogue in Rome, Italy (2011) have shaped and continue to shape my own love and passion for church unity.
This work is profoundly impacted by those who have gone before me in documenting, analyzing, and investing in the Roman Catholic-Pentecostal Dialogue. I am deeply indebted to the members of the Dialogue, both past and present, whose courage, tenacity, insights, and love of the church are an inspiration to future generations. I stand upon your shoulders. Dr. Jelle Creemers’ contributions to the methodology of the Dialogue has aided my own reflections, and I am grateful, not only for his friendship, but for his incredibly detailed and insightful work.
To Fuller Seminary and to my professors at Fuller Seminary who supported the production of this manuscript in its incipient stages when it was merely a doctoral dream, especially Dr. James Bradley and Dr. John Thompson, I am grateful for your suggestions and your guidance. My secondary mentor, Dr. Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen, was a co-reader of the original doctoral dissertation. His work on the pneumatology of the Dialogue and on the fourth session (“Evangelism, Proselytism, and Common Witness”) served as inspiration and guide for what was possible. To my editors at Brill, a hearty thank you!
I have had an incredible support system throughout this entire process. To my friends, Dr. Kirsten Oh, Dr. Melissa Ramos, Michelle Baker-Wright, Courtney Bacon-Latina, Dr. Jennifer Bashaw, Carolyn Swilling, Melissa Morris, Amy Tibert, Judy Winter, Judy Lee, Sarah Gilman, Susan Doak, Reine Birdsell, and Laureen Fagerland, your friendship, prayers, and support have meant and continue to mean the world to me. You give me sanity, hope, and meaning.
This manuscript would also not be possible without the encouragement and optimism of my incredible husband Chris, who has supported my passions and dreams with more enthusiasm than my own at times. His sacrificial love, patience, kindness, and care for our daughters astound me daily. You are my rock. To my daughters, Cate and Chiara, you are the light of my life, and I would not have wanted to do this without you.