What Does It Mean to Be Ecumenical?
Seeking unity in a divided Church — without losing truth or compromising the gospel
Christianity today is fragmented into thousands of denominations, each holding distinct doctrines, traditions, and styles of worship. From Roman Catholicism to Pentecostalism, from the Eastern Orthodox Church to countless independent fellowships — the Body of Christ appears, at times, to be deeply divided.
And yet, Jesus prayed:
“That they may all be one, just as You, Father, are in Me and I in You.” (John 17:21)
This longing for unity among believers — not superficial, but deeply spiritual and grounded in truth — has led many to embrace what is called the ecumenical movement. But what does it really mean to be ecumenical? Does it mean we overlook truth for the sake of peace? Or can it reflect the heart of Christ for His Church?
To answer these questions, we must explore the history, meaning, hopes, dangers, and present reality of ecumenism in the Christian faith.
📜 The History of the Ecumenical Movement
The Early Church: One Faith, One Body?
In the first centuries after Christ, the Church remained largely unified — at least outwardly. The early creeds, such as the Nicene Creed (325 AD), expressed a shared core of Christian belief across regions. Yet theological controversies, power struggles, and cultural tensions slowly eroded visible unity.
The first major split occurred in 1054 AD, known as the Great Schism, dividing Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism. Later, the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century fractured Western Christianity further, giving rise to Lutheran, Reformed, Anglican, and eventually countless evangelical traditions.
By the 20th century, many Christian leaders began to recognize the tragedy of division and sought ways to reconcile, even partially. This gave rise to the modern ecumenical movement.
The 1910 Edinburgh Missionary Conference
Often considered the starting point of modern ecumenism, the Edinburgh Conference brought together Protestant missionaries from different denominations to coordinate efforts in global evangelism. Despite differences, they shared a common goal: proclaiming Christ to the nations.
This conference laid the groundwork for future cooperation and dialogue.
The Formation of the World Council of Churches (1948)
In 1948, the World Council of Churches (WCC) was established in Amsterdam. Its motto:
“A fellowship of churches which confess the Lord Jesus Christ as God and Savior according to the Scriptures.”
The WCC promoted theological dialogue, joint statements, and practical cooperation in humanitarian and social work. Most member churches were mainline Protestant and Eastern Orthodox, though the Roman Catholic Church did not join, though it maintains relations.
Vatican II and Catholic Engagement (1962–1965)
A major turning point came when the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965) opened new doors. The Roman Catholic Church began to recognize other Christians as “separated brethren”, affirming shared baptism and faith in Christ.
Vatican II’s Decree on Ecumenism encouraged dialogue and mutual understanding. Since then, numerous joint declarations have been made between Catholics and Protestants — including the 1999 Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification (with the Lutheran World Federation).
📖 What Does “Ecumenical” Mean?
The word “ecumenical” comes from the Greek oikoumene, meaning “the whole inhabited world.” In Christian usage, it has two layers:
1. Descriptive — Refers to efforts across the global Church to:
- Promote unity and reconciliation
- Encourage theological dialogue
- Foster joint mission, prayer, or service
- Recognize one another as fellow followers of Christ
2. Spiritual Vision — At its best, ecumenism reflects the prayer of Jesus in John 17 — that His people would be one, as a testimony to the world.
Being ecumenical does not necessarily mean agreeing on everything, merging denominations, or watering down truth. Rather, it’s the pursuit of “unity in essentials, liberty in non-essentials, and charity in all things.”
🔍 Ecumenism in Action: Examples and Movements
Theological Dialogues
- Catholic–Lutheran Dialogue: Agreement on justification by grace through faith.
- Anglican–Orthodox Discussions: Seeking common views on liturgy and sacraments.
- Evangelical–Catholic Relations: Cooperation in moral and cultural issues.
Shared Worship and Prayer
While full communion (e.g. Eucharist sharing) is still limited, ecumenical gatherings often include:
- Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (annual)
- Joint Good Friday or Easter services
- United Christmas carol events
Mission and Service
In disaster relief, poverty alleviation, and refugee care, ecumenical cooperation often bears fruit:
- ACT Alliance (Action by Churches Together)
- Local ecumenical councils addressing community needs
🧭 Spiritual & Doctrinal Discernment: Is Ecumenism Biblical?
The Biblical Mandate for Unity
Scripture consistently affirms the oneness of Christ’s Body:
- “There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:4–6)
- “That the world may believe that You have sent Me” (John 17:21)
Unity is not optional — it is a gospel witness.
But Not at the Expense of Truth
Yet Scripture also warns against false teaching:
- “Contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3)
- “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him” (2 John 10)
Therefore, True Ecumenism Must Be:
- Rooted in Scripture, not in institutional compromise
- Centered on Christ, not on political alliances
- Marked by discernment, not sentimental unity
Ecumenical efforts that overlook major gospel truths — such as the deity of Christ, salvation by grace, or biblical authority — lead not to unity, but to confusion.
🔄 The Impact of Ecumenism on the Church Today
Positive Effects:
- Greater understanding among traditions
- Healing of old wounds, especially post-Reformation
- Collaborative mission in areas like evangelism, justice, and disaster relief
- Encouragement for local believers in divided regions (e.g. Middle East)
Challenges and Controversies:
- Some fear doctrinal compromise (e.g. liberal theology in ecumenical bodies)
- Tension between truth and unity: Where do we draw the line?
- Some denominations feel excluded or misrepresented in larger ecumenical platforms
- The Roman Catholic concept of “full communion” (with the Pope) remains a major point of disagreement
🪞What Should We Learn — or Repent Of?
1. Repent of Pride and Sectarianism
Too often, denominations have acted not in love, but in arrogance or isolation. True faithfulness to Christ calls us to humility and repentance where division has been caused by ego rather than conviction.
2. Recover the Essentials
Not all differences are equal. Disagreements over liturgy, governance, or non-salvific doctrines should not fracture fellowship if the gospel remains central.
Are we majoring on the minors?
3. Pursue Christ-Centered Unity
Ecumenism is not about making peace at any cost. But neither should we settle for division as the norm. The cross reconciles not only sinners to God but believers to each other.
“By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)
📣 Walking Forward in Truth: Why This Still Matters
In a secular age, the fragmentation of Christianity is both a scandal and a tragedy. When non-believers see Christians divided, they often assume the gospel itself is broken. But when believers love across boundaries — without forsaking truth — the Church shines with the beauty of Christ.
Being ecumenical, rightly understood, does not mean abandoning conviction. It means standing firm in the gospel while stretching out our hands in love, seeking to fulfill Jesus’ prayer that we may be one — not in name, but in heart, Spirit, and truth.
The call today is clear:
- Hold fast to sound doctrine
- Reject false unity built on compromise
- Pursue real fellowship across denominational lines where Christ is central
- And above all, love the Body of Christ as He does
✝️ Final Word
To be ecumenical is to hunger for the unity of Christ’s people, not as a political movement, but as a spiritual necessity. It is to say: We are different, but we belong to the same Lord. Let us seek His truth together — and love one another as He has loved us.