Qualitative Catholicity 

by James Roberts

In one of his most recent books entitled ‘Looking East in Winter: Contemporary Thought and the Eastern Christian Tradition’, Rowan Williams reflects on the rich heritage of Eastern Orthodox theology and highlights a range of fascinating thinkers who are, unfortunately, all too often over-looked in the West. 

In a chapter on tradition, Williams turns to the Russian theologian Alexei Khomiakov (1804-1860) and the intriguing concept of sobornost’. This term has its root in the Russian word sobor which can translate, in a church context, as ‘gathering’ or ‘council’. The Russian term sobornost’, therefore, is often linked to the word ‘catholicity’ or ‘conciliarity’ in English translation. However, Khomiakov believes that the term sobornost’ adds an important note to an understanding of what ‘Catholic’ means, as Williams recounts. Sobornost’ represents the gathering of free persons into one organic body. It is not, therefore, simply the sum of its parts, but an active and positive wholeness. In describing Khomiakov’s view of sobornost’, Williams describes it as ‘qualitative catholicity.’

The notion that catholicity (as understood in sobornost’) is not quantitative but qualitative strikes me as a simple, but important observation; that ecclesial togetherness is a quality which needs to be strived towards and does not just happen by chance when people are gathered into an institution. In the fullness and diversity of the church, sobornost’ is an important reminder that we are not simply the sum of our parts but, in the church, we are united into one body as free persons. In order to be united in this way - to develop this quality of a truly shared common life - the prayerful work of transformation needs to take place. 

For me, this is powerfully demonstrated in the Eucharist. As people are gathered together at the altar, we all receive the same elements, the same grace and love, and the same calling to live in this sacramental unity as one family. It seems to me that we receive the quality of catholicity as gift; a gift which should be cherished and nurtured. 

James  is a DPhil student in the department of theology and religion, writing about the theology of Mother Maria Skobtsova (1891-1945).