Ecumenism
Movement for cooperation and unity among Christian denominations.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
Ecumenism, also called interdenominationalism or ecumenicalism, is the concept and principle that Christians belonging to different denominations and theological traditions should work together to develop closer relationships and promote Christian unity. The term derives from the Greek 'oikoumene,' meaning 'the whole inhabited world,' and its modern usage focuses on interdenominational cooperation, ranging from local prayer services and Bible studies to the establishment of organizations like the World Council of Churches.
- field
- Christian theology and interdenominational relations
- known_for
- Promoting Christian unity through dialogue, cooperation, and shared initiatives
- key_organization
- World Council of Churches
- biblical_basis
- John 17:20–23
- sacramental_basis
- Baptism according to the Trinitarian formula
Lore & Background
The modern ecumenical movement gained significant momentum in 1920 when Ecumenical Patriarch Germanus V of Constantinople wrote a letter 'To all the Churches of Christ, wherever they may be,' urging closer cooperation and suggesting a 'League of Churches' parallel to the newly founded League of Nations. The formal decision to establish the World Council of Churches was taken at a provisional committee meeting in 1938, and it was officially founded at the First Assembly in Amsterdam in 1948. Today, the WCC includes churches from most major traditions as full members, such as the Old Catholic Church, Oriental Orthodox Churches, Lutheran World Federation, Anglican Communion, Baptist World Alliance, Mennonite churches, World Methodist Council, Moravian Church, Pentecostal churches, and World Communion of Reformed Churches. However, several Eastern Orthodox churches—including the Russian Orthodox Church, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, and the Georgian Orthodox Church—have withdrawn or suspended their membership, so it is no longer accurate to say 'almost all' Eastern Orthodox jurisdictions are full members. The Assyrian Church of the East is not a full member but participates as an observer or in certain dialogues; the Roman Catholic Church also participates as an observer.
Reader's Guide
Ecumenism's significance lies in its effort to address historic divisions within Christianity, which have existed since the first century. The movement seeks visible unity among Christians, grounded in shared baptism and faith in Jesus, and cites Jesus' prayer in John 17:20–23 that 'may all be one' so that the world may believe the Gospel. Ecumenical initiatives occur at global, regional, and local levels, including the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity coordinated by the World Council of Churches, ecumenical religious communities like Taizé, and cooperative service projects. The ultimate goal includes recognition of sacramental validity, eucharistic sharing, and full communion between denominations, though expectations of what unity looks like vary. Substantial agreement between some denominations, especially Catholic and Protestant, has produced works like The Common Catechism. The movement's legacy includes fostering dialogue and cooperation among churches representing hundreds of millions of Christians worldwide.
Did You Know?
- The term 'ecumenism' comes from the Greek 'oikoumene,' meaning 'the whole inhabited world,' historically used with reference to the Roman Empire.
- In 1920, Ecumenical Patriarch Germanus V of Constantinople wrote a letter urging closer cooperation among separated Christians and suggesting a 'League of Churches.'
- The World Council of Churches includes churches from most major Christian traditions as full members, with the Roman Catholic Church participating as an observer.
- Each year, Christians observe the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, coordinated by the World Council of Churches and adopted by many of its member churches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ecumenism?
Ecumenism is the theological principle that Christians from different denominations and traditions should pursue closer relationships and work toward unity. In practice it spans everything from local joint prayer services to large-scale international cooperation.
Where does the word 'Ecumenism' come from?
The term traces back to the Greek 'oikoumene,' literally meaning 'the whole inhabited world.' In modern theological usage it shifted from a geographic sense to describe cooperation across denominational boundaries.
What is the biblical foundation for Ecumenism?
The primary scriptural anchor is John 17:20–23, where Jesus prays that his followers may be one. Trinitarian baptism is also widely regarded as the sacramental bond that unites believers across different church traditions.
What major organizations are associated with Ecumenism?
The World Council of Churches is the most prominent body dedicated to interdenominational dialogue and shared initiatives. Grassroots expressions include joint Bible studies, cooperative worship, and collaborative social-justice projects.
Why is Ecumenism considered important in Christian theology?
It reflects the conviction that denominational division runs counter to Christ's own desire for unity among his followers. By fostering ongoing dialogue and shared action, it seeks to heal historical schisms and present a more cohesive witness to the world.
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