Ecumenical

Ecumenical describes efforts or outlook aimed at promoting unity among Christian churches. The term derives from the Late Latin ecumenicus, from Greek oikoumenikos, meaning the inhabited world, or the whole world. In ecclesiastical usage, it has long referred to initiatives intended to bring Christian communities into closer communion.

Historically, ecumenical councils in the early Church were gatherings regarded by many denominations as universal in scope. The first seven ecumenical councils (325–787) addressed Christological and Trinitarian issues and are regarded as authoritative by Catholics, Orthodox, and many Protestants.

Modern ecumenism began in the 19th and 20th centuries as a movement to promote dialogue, joint worship, and cooperative mission while affirming doctrinal distinctiveness. The World Council of Churches, founded in 1948, has played a leading role, and the Catholic Church has engaged in ecumenical dialogue since Vatican II, including the decree Unitatis redintegratio (1964).

Contemporary ecumenical work includes common prayer, shared social action, and theological dialogue on topics such as baptism, ministry, and communion. Some groups resist ecumenism on grounds of doctrinal exclusivity or ecclesial authority, while others apply the term to broader interdenominational or interfaith collaboration.