Ecumenism

Jesus prayed passionately for the unity of his followers, so that the world would believe (John 17).

Origins and Definition

The word ecumenism derives from the Greek words oikoumenē ('the inhabited world') and oikos ('house') and can be traced back to the commands, promises and prayers of Jesus.

Ecumenists cite John 17:20-23 as the biblical foundations for seeking church unity, where Jesus prays 'that they may all be one' in order 'that the world may believe' in the Gospel message.

Historical Development

The word 'ecumenical' comes from the Greek 'oikoumene', meaning 'all inhabited earth'. The early church held seven ecumenical councils from the fourth to the seventh century in which key doctrinal issues were discussed and resolved.

In 1910, the World Missionary Conference was held in Edinburgh, Scotland. The meeting is widely cited as the birthplace of the ecumenical movement.

The World Council of Churches (WCC)

The World Council of Churches is a worldwide Christian interchurch organization founded in 1948 to work for the cause of ecumenism.

The WCC describes itself as 'a worldwide fellowship of 352 global, regional, national and local churches seeking unity, common witness and Christian service.' The organization includes denominations that claim to collectively represent more than 600 million people in more than 110 countries.

Involvement of the Catholic Church

Notably, the Catholic Church is not a full member, although it sends delegates with observer status. The 'Return to Rome' was the predominant form of ecumenical outreach of the Catholic Church before the Second Vatican Council.

The official participation of the Catholic Church in the ecumenical movement was strengthened by the promulgation in November 1964 of the Vatican II decree on ecumenism called Unitatis Redintegratio.

Unit vs. Uniformity

Unity does not mean that everyone thinks the same about everything. It means a spirit of love and cooperation in what is essential (Christ, the Cross, the Resurrection).

'In essence, unity; in the non-essential, freedom; in everything, charity.' (Rupertus Meldenius)