ecclesial

Ecclesial is an adjective relating to the Christian church or to the life of the church as a community. It is derived from Latin ecclesialis, which comes from ecclesia, meaning “church” (from Greek ekklēsía). In general usage, ecclesial denotes matters connected with the church’s life, mission, and community rather than with civil or secular institutions.

In ecclesiology and related theological discussions, the term is often used to emphasize the church as a body of believers and a social organism, rather than only its formal structures. Ecclesial language can highlight aspects such as communion, mission, and shared faith, in contrast to purely administrative or legal discussions that employ ecclesiastical terminology. Thus, ecclesial concerns may focus on how the church lives out its identity and witness within a community of faith.

Usage and contexts vary. The phrase “ecclesial communities” appears in ecumenical and Catholic dialogue to refer to Christian communities that are not in full communion with a particular church, while still being recognized as part of the wider Christian family. Terms like ecclesial authority, ecclesial mission, and ecclesial life describe leadership, outreach, and daily religious life as exercised within the church community.

Overall, ecclesial serves as a descriptor for things pertaining to the church as a living, believing, and mission-oriented community, distinguishing those aspects from more formal or legal aspects commonly associated with the word ecclesiastical.