WHAT IS ECUMENISM?

PART OF SERIES OF "ECUMENISM: ADDRESSING ISSUE TOWARDS POSITIVE DIALOGUE"

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Author: Ken Klark L. Flores

Introduction

Ecumenism is the movement and principle that advocates for greater unity, cooperation, and understanding among different Christian denominations. The term, derived from the Greek word oikoumenē ("the inhabited world"), reflects a vision of the entire Christian church working together as one body, despite historical and doctrinal differences. 

Purpose

The primary goal is the restoration of visible Christian Unity, which Jesus envisioned in his prayer, "may all be one... that the world may know" and believe the Gospel message (John 17:20–23)(Britannica, 2019). Ecumenism is distinct from interfaith dialogue, which refers to relations and communication between Christians and members of different world religions (e.g., Islam, Judaism, Hinduism) (Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue - Catholic Diocese of Sale, n.d.).

Aspects

Dialogue and Collaboration are fostering communication and joint initiatives (e.g., local churches operating a soup kitchen, ecumenical Bible studies). The Mutual Understanding and Respect are engaging with other traditions to appreciate their spiritual values and heritage without compromising one's own core beliefs.

It also has addressing Social issues, they working together on common concerns such as racism, poverty, and injustice, presenting a unified Christian voice in society. Seeking forgiveness for historical divisions and working to heal past wounds between denominations. Aiming for a full, committed fellowship that recognizes a shared fundamental faith while accepting a diversity of cultural and historical practices.

The ultimate goal for many is the mutual recognition of ministries and full eucharistic sharing, which would signify full communion. 

Concerns

Concerns about ecumenism vary widely among different Christian groups, often centering on doctrinal integrity, differing views on church unity, and perceived theological compromises. While many denominations officially support ecumenical efforts, internal opposition and differing approaches persist across the spectrum of Christian faith. 

In Eastern Orthodox, their objections to ecumenism are deeply rooted in their ecclesiology. Many Orthodox Christians believe their church is the "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church" and that true unity comes from others returning to Orthodoxy through repentance. Issues such as the 1054 Great Schism, the authority of the pope, and doctrinal points like the Filioque clause in the Nicene Creed remain sources of contention with the Roman Catholic Church. Some Orthodox leaders have expressed concern over liberal positions on moral issues within Protestant traditions, such as the ordination of LGBTQ+ individuals (Does Eastern Orthodox Reject Ecumenism?, 2019).

Since the Catholic Church officially entered the ecumenical movement after the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965), some traditionalist catholics expressed the significant concern, they distinguish between "true ecumenism" that seeks a greater Christian unity and "false ecumenism" that implies all religions are equally valid or that the fullness of truth does not reside in the Catholic Church. Critics point to previous papal encyclicals, like Mortalium Animos (1928), which warned against participating in ecumenical activities that would risk giving "countenance to a false Christianity". Controversies have arisen over issues like inter-communion (the sharing of Eucharist with non-Catholics), which traditionalists believe undermines Catholic teaching on the sacrament. (A Brief Survey of the Roman Catholic Church’s Involvement in the Ecumenical Movement, 2015; Abbott, M. C., n.d.)

Traditionalists worry that the desire for unity leads to a "false irenicism" where the purity and clarity of Catholic doctrine are watered down or obscured to avoid offending other Christian groups. They argue this minimizes core dogmas of the faith, such as the sacrificial nature of the Mass or the unique role of the papacy. A primary concern is that modern ecumenism fosters religious indifferentism—the idea that all Christian denominations (or even all religions) are equally valid paths to salvation. Traditionalists maintain the long-standing doctrine of extra Ecclesiam nulla salus ("outside the Church there is no salvation"), which they feel is undermined by the contemporary approach to dialogue (Fox, 2022; Is Ecumenism a Heresy?, 2009)

For traditionalist Catholics, true ecumenism means working and praying for other Christians to return to full communion with the Catholic Church, not seeking a unity based on theological compromise or a lowest common denominator approach (Dulles, 1990).

In some conservative Protestants and Evangelicals are highly critical of the ecumenical movement, often viewing it as a move toward theological liberalism (Lynch, 2024). Many in these traditions argue that ecumenism de-emphasizes the importance of biblical truth in favor of artificial unity. They believe that true unity must be based solely on sound biblical doctrine (CMS Admin, 1966). These groups contend that ecumenism downplays or ignores specific scriptural passages that warn against fellowship with those who teach different doctrines. For some, ecumenism represents a "mighty device of Satan" intended to compromise core biblical tenets and lead the church away from its foundational beliefs (Sochor, A., 2023).

Some charismatic or Pentecostal groups hold firm convictions on specific interpretations of the Bible, salvation, or spiritual gifts, and view attempts at unity with denominations that hold differing doctrines as a compromise of "revealed truth". Some interpret biblical passages as teaching that fellowship with those considered "false teachers" is participating in their "evil deeds," leading them to avoid ecumenical activities.

Critics from various perspectives have pointed out that many ecumenical activities are primarily cerebral or verbal and lack deep theological engagement. The historical slogan "Doctrine divides, but service unites" is sometimes viewed as promoting superficiality. Some feel the ecumenical movement risks losing its Christian balance by focusing too much on social and political issues (such as injustice, war, and sexism) at the expense of core theological concepts like salvation, sin, and justification.

Conclusion

Ecumenism concludes with the ultimate goal of Christian unity, which involves promoting dialogue, cooperation, and a shared mission among churches to better serve God and witness to the Gospel. This is rooted in the belief that unity in Christ already exists, and it is the responsibility of Christians to manifest that unity through prayer, mutual respect, social action, and, ideally, full communion, or intercommunion.

Reference

Britannica. (2019). Ecumenism | definition & history. In Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/ecumenism

Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue - Catholic Diocese of Sale. (n.d.). Www.cdsale.org.au. https://www.cdsale.org.au/ecumenism-and-interfaith-dialogue

Does Eastern Orthodox reject ecumenism? (2019). Quora. https://www.quora.com/Does-Eastern-Orthodox-reject-ecumenism

A Brief Survey Of The Roman Catholic Church’s Involvement In The Ecumenical Movement. (2015). Adventistbiblicalresearch.org. https://adventistbiblicalresearch.org/articles/a-brief-survey-of-the-roman-catholic-churchs-involvement-in-the-ecumenical-movement

Abbott, M. C. (n.d.). Is “Ecumenism” a Bad Word? Catholicculture.org. https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=5281

Dulles, A. C. (1990, June). Ecumenism Without Illusions: A Catholic Perspective - First Things. First Things. https://firstthings.com/ecumenism-without-illusions-a-catholic-perspective/

Fox, R. (2022, January 6). Ecumenism: Did Vatican II Make a Mistake? Catholic Stand. https://catholicstand.com/ecumenism-did-vatican-ii-make-a-mistake/

Harisson, B. Is Ecumenism a Heresy? (2009). Catholic Answers. https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/is-ecumenism-a-heresy

Lynch, M. (2024, April 6). Ecumenism: A Noble but Misguided Missionary Movement. The Gospel Coalition | Australia. https://au.thegospelcoalition.org/article/ecumenicalism-a-noble-but-misguided-missionary-movement/

CMS Admin. (1966, May 27). Evangelicals and Ecumenism. Christianity Today. https://www.christianitytoday.com/1966/05/evangelicals-and-ecumenism/

Sochor, A. (2023, February 15). The Problem with Ecumenism - Plain Bible Teaching. Plain Bible Teaching. https://plainbibleteaching.com/2023/02/15/the-problem-with-ecumenism/

Disclaimer

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect of any religious organization and denomination. This article is for Religious and Educational Purposes only.

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