"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."
Examination of the ways in which scripture is used in ecumenical discussions and the challenges that can arise due to differing interpretations.
Definition of ecumenism: An overview of the history, meaning, and main aims of ecumenism, including its approach to scripture.
Scriptural authority: An exploration of the different beliefs and practices surrounding scripture across different Christian traditions.
Interpretation of scripture: An examination of the various approaches, methods, and hermeneutical principles used to interpret the Bible in ecumenical contexts.
The role of tradition: A discussion of the place of tradition and the interpretation of scripture in different ecumenical dialogues, as well as the ways in which these dialogues can help to foster greater unity among Christians.
Theological agreements and disagreements: An analysis of the different theological agreements and disagreements between different Christian denominations and how these are affected by different interpretations of scripture.
The role of scripture in liturgical worship: A look at the ways in which scripture is used in the liturgical worship of different Christian traditions, and how this can have an impact on ecumenical relations.
Historical context and developments: An overview of the historical context and key developments that have shaped the role of scripture in ecumenism over time.
Challenges and controversies: An examination of some of the challenges and controversies that arise when interpreting scripture in an ecumenical context, such as issues around authority, tradition, and theological differences.
Approaches to ecumenical dialogue: An analysis of the different approaches to ecumenical dialogue and the role that scripture can play in these processes.
Case studies: An exploration of specific examples of ecumenical dialogue and the role that scripture has played in these, highlighting the ways in which these dialogues have helped to promote greater cooperation and unity between Christians.
Theological Dialogue: Theological dialogue is a form of conversation between different religions, denominations, and churches, aimed at bringing about understanding, appreciation, and agreement on various religious matters.
Common Witness and Evangelization: Common witness and evangelization is the act of sharing the Gospel message to non-Christians, as well as to Christians from other denominations.
Liturgical and Spiritual Sharing: Liturgical and spiritual sharing is a practice of sharing worship practices, services, and rituals among religious groups to enhance their overall spirituality.
Social and Ethical Cooperation: Social and ethical cooperation is the joint effort of religious communities to identify and respond to common social problems and issues such as poverty, war, hunger, homelessness, and environmental concerns.
Study and Formation: Study and formation are programs that aim to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to engage in ecumenical dialogues, activities, and practices.
Ecumenical Advocacy and Public Witness: Ecumenical advocacy and public witness is the act of standing up for political and social issues based on shared religious beliefs.
Communal and Institutional Relationships: Communal and institutional relationships are the ways in which religious groups cooperate and collaborate with each other in governance, decision-making, and resource-sharing.
Interfaith Dialogue: Interfaith dialogue is the practice of engaging in conversation with other faiths or religious groups in order to understand and appreciate their beliefs and practices.
Bilateral Dialogue: Bilateral dialogue is a form of dialogue between two particular Christian communities, aimed at mutual understanding and agreement in theological and practical matters.
Triennial Dialogue: Triennial dialogue is a formal dialogue between three particular Christian communities, aimed at deepening ecumenical ties in the areas of worship, doctrine, and mission.
"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."