"The concept and principle that Christians who belong to different Christian denominations should work together to develop closer relationships among their churches and promote Christian unity."
Identification of obstacles to achieving greater unity among Christian denominations, such as doctrinal differences and organizational structures.
History of Ecumenism: This topic provides an overview of the origins of ecumenism, including the key events, people, and movements that have shaped the movement.
Theological differences: This topic examines the theological differences that exist between various Christian denominations and how these differences have led to challenges in achieving unity.
Interfaith relations: This topic explores the challenges of seeking unity with non-Christian religions, such as Judaism or Islam.
Political and social factors: This topic looks at the influence of political and social factors on the ecumenical movement, such as government regulations and cultural attitudes.
Structural and organizational barriers: This topic examines the structural and organizational barriers to ecumenism, such as the complex governance structures of some denominations.
Language and cultural barriers: This topic considers the role that language and cultural barriers play in hindering ecumenical dialogue and cooperation.
Historical divisions: This topic looks at the historical divisions between Christian denominations and how these have made ecumenism more difficult.
Authority and power: This topic explores the issues of authority and power within different Christian denominations and how these affect ecumenical relations.
Ecumenical dialogue and cooperation: This topic looks at different approaches to ecumenism and the challenges of collaboration across denominational boundaries.
Contextual challenges: This topic examines the challenges of achieving unity in specific contexts, such as in regions with a history of conflict or where certain social issues are particularly contentious.
Doctrinal Differences: Differences in theological beliefs, dogmas and doctrines make it difficult for different religious groups to come together in unity.
Interpretation of Scripture: Different interpretations of biblical texts and teachings lead to disagreements and division among religious groups.
Cultural Differences: The differences in cultural practices, traditions, and norms can make it challenging for different religious groups to come together.
Psychological Challenges: The psychological barriers such as prejudice, stereotypes, and biases among different religious groups can hinder ecumenical efforts.
Institutional Challenges: The organizational structure and policies of religious institutions can make it difficult to achieve ecumenical unity.
Historical Differences: Historical events, conflicts, and controversies among different religious groups can hamper the ecumenical process.
Political Challenges: The political, social, and economic systems of different countries can have an impact on ecumenical efforts.
Language Barriers: The language difference creates a communication gap, which makes it challenging to come together as a community.
Theological Differences: Theological differences are the barriers that arise from differing theological points of view.
Moral Differences: Differences in moral beliefs and practices, such as those related to sexuality, can be a significant challenge for ecumenical dialogue.
Liturgical Differences: Differences in liturgical practices can make it difficult for religious groups to come together for common worship.
Leadership Differences: Variation in leadership styles and practices, as well as the role of leaders in different religious groups, can create obstacles for ecumenical collaboration.
"The fact that all Christians belonging to mainstream Christian denominations profess faith in Jesus as Lord and Saviour over a believer's life, believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God (John 1:1), and receive baptism according to the Trinitarian formula."
"John 17:20–23 as the biblical grounds of striving for church unity, in which Jesus prays 'may all be one' in order 'that the world may know' and believe the Gospel message."
"In 1920, the Ecumenical Patriarch of the Eastern Orthodox Church, Germanus V of Constantinople, wrote a letter 'addressed 'To all the Churches of Christ, wherever they may be', urging closer co-operation among separated Christians, and suggesting a 'League of Churches', parallel to the newly founded League of Nations'."
"In 1937, Christian leaders from mainstream Christian churches resolved to establish the World Council of Churches, to work for the cause of Christian unity."
"The World Council of Churches today includes churches from most major traditions of Christianity as full members, including the Assyrian Church of the East, the Old Catholic Church, the Oriental Orthodox Churches, the Lutheran World Federation, the Anglican Communion, the Baptist World Alliance, the Mennonite churches, the World Methodist Council, the Moravian Church, the Pentecostal churches and the World Communion of Reformed Churches."
"The Roman Catholic Church participates as an observer, sending delegates to official gatherings."
"Many regional councils affiliated with the World Council of Churches, such as the Middle East Council of Churches, National Council of Churches in Australia and Christian Churches Together, work for the cause of Christian unity on the domestic level."
"Member denominations include churches from the Oriental Orthodox, Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Methodist, Anglican, and Reformed traditions, among others."
"The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity."
"The World Council of Churches coordinates the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity."
"The terms ecumenism and ecumenical come from the Greek οἰκουμένη (oikoumene), which means 'the whole inhabited world'."
"The ecumenical vision comprises both the search for the visible unity of the Church (Ephesians 4:3) and the 'whole inhabited earth' (Matthew 24:14) as the concern of all Christians."
"The qualification ecumenical was originally and still is used in terms such as 'ecumenical council' and 'Ecumenical Patriarch', in the meaning of pertaining to the totality of the larger Church."
"Used in this sense, the term carries no connotation of re-uniting the historically separated Christian denominations but presumes a unity of local congregations in a worldwide communion."