Tell me a bio of Albert Outler.

Include key facts about their life, career, achievements, and impact.

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Albert C. Outler was a renowned American theologian, ecumenist, and scholar. He was born on January 29, 1908, in Dallas, Texas, and passed away on April 12, 1989.

**Early Life and Education**

Outler received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Methodist University in 1929. He then went on to earn his Bachelor of Divinity degree from the same institution in 1931. He later received his Ph.D. in theology from the University of Chicago in 1935.

**Career**

Outler began his career as a pastor in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He served in various churches in Texas and later became a professor of theology at Southern Methodist University. In 1947, he joined the faculty of Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, where he taught until his retirement in 1973.

**Achievements and Impact**

Outler was a prominent ecumenist and played a significant role in the development of the World Council of Churches. He served as the general secretary of the Commission on Faith and Order from 1954 to 1963. He was also a key figure in the formation of the Consultation on Church Union (COCU), which aimed to unite various Christian denominations in the United States.

Outler was a prolific writer and published numerous books and articles on theology, ecumenism, and church history. Some of his notable works include "Theology of John Wesley" and "The Bible and the Life of the Church." He was also a respected translator and edited several important theological texts, including the "Library of Christian Classics" series.

**Awards and Honors**

Outler received several awards and honors for his contributions to theology and ecumenism. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1965 for his services to ecumenism. He also received the Distinguished Service Award from the World Council of Churches in 1973.

**Legacy**

Albert Outler's legacy is that of a dedicated ecumenist and theologian who worked tirelessly to promote unity and understanding among Christian denominations. His contributions to the development of the World Council of Churches and the Consultation on Church Union have had a lasting impact on the ecumenical movement. His writings and teachings continue to inspire scholars and theologians today.
Albert Outler (1908-1989) was a prominent American theologian, ecumenist, and scholar. He played a pivotal role in the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), serving as an ecumenical peritus and secretary to the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches.

**Early Life and Education**

Albert C. Outler was born on August 28, 1908, in Dallas, Texas. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Austin College (1929), Bachelor of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School (1932), and Ph.D. in New Testament History from the University of Chicago (1935).

**Academic and Professional Career**

Outler began his teaching career at Yale Divinity School (1935-1944) and later at Duke Divinity School (1944-1960). In 1960, he moved to Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, where he became the F.M. Anderson Professor of Church History and the director of the Perkins School of Theology's Institute for Advanced Christian Studies.

**Second Vatican Council and Ecumenical Work**

During the Second Vatican Council, Outler served as the chief American ecumenical peritus, responsible for preparing the constitutions on the nature of the church and the liturgy. His most significant contribution was drafting the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium), which helped establish the concept of the church as the "People of God" (Laity). Outler worked closely with cardinal Henri de Lubac and participated in various drafting committees.

He also served as the secretary to the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches, a position that highlighted his commitment to ecumenical dialogue and cooperation.

**Notable Works and Achievements**

Outler was a prolific writer and translator. His notable works include:

1. **The Shape of Orthodox Unity**: A landmark book on ecumenism, exploring the history and theology of the early church.
2. **Kierkegaard's Concept of Faith**: A book examining Søren Kierkegaard's concept of faith and its significance for Christian theology.
3. **John Wesley** (a three-volume biography): A comprehensive study of John Wesley's life, theology, and legacy.

**Impact and Legacy**

Albert Outler's contributions to ecumenism, theology, and Christian scholarship have had a lasting impact. He was:

1. **A pioneer in ecumenical dialogue**: His work at the Second Vatican Council and his involvement with the Faith and Order Commission helped lay the groundwork for modern ecumenism.
2. **A scholar and translator**: Outler's translations of early Christian texts, such as Basil of Caesarea's De Spiritu Sancto, made them accessible to a wider audience.
3. **A spiritual leader**: As a professor and pastor, Outler was known for his guidance and mentorship of many students and clergy, including some notable theologians and church leaders.

Outler's legacy continues to inspire scholars, theologians, and church leaders working towards greater understanding and unity among Christian denominations.