Father Louis Bouyer and Orthodoxy

This article by Marie-Hélène Congourdeau examines the relationship of Father Louis Bouyer (1913-2004), a Catholic theologian of Protestant origin, with the Orthodox Church. Through a historical and theological study, the author traces Bouyer's spiritual and intellectual journey, from his initial Protestantism to his conversion to Catholicism, while questioning the reasons why he did not choose Orthodox communion, which was nonetheless close to his theological sensibility. The article highlights Bouyer's deep affinities with the Eastern tradition, while analyzing the ecclesiological motives that kept him within the Roman Church. The main contribution of this study lies in the clarification of Bouyer's conception of the Church and Christian unity, thus offering an original perspective on the ecumenical issues between Catholicism and Orthodoxy in the twentieth century.