Ecumenicus

Ecumenicus is a term used in some religious studies writings to describe a universal or all-encompassing approach to ecumenism. In this sense, it denotes efforts to promote unity, dialogue, and cooperative action that transcend denominational boundaries within Christianity and extend to broader interfaith contexts. The term is rare and not uniformly defined, but it is employed to signal an aspirational, inclusive form of ecumenical engagement.

From Latin ecumenicus, itself derived from the Greek oikoumenikos, meaning "of the inhabited world" or "ecumenical," the word carries connotations of universality. In modern scholarship, ecumenicus is usually used as an adjectival or substantival form to stress a comprehensive scope of dialogue rather than a particular church body.

While ecumenism has long described efforts toward church unity, ecumenicus is a comparatively recent coinage that appears sporadically in academic articles, conference papers, and occasional Latin or pseudo-Latin titles. Proponents argue that the term helps articulate a vision of dialogue that is not limited to formal church-to-church talks but includes communities of faith, scholars, and civil society actors.

Critics note that the universal emphasis can risk diluting specific doctrinal commitments or overlooking concrete disparities among traditions. Supporters counter that a clearly articulated ecumenicus framework clarifies goals, fosters practical cooperation on social issues, and strengthens the ethical basis for cross-cultural understanding.

See also: Ecumenism; Ecumenical movement; Interfaith dialogue; Religious pluralism.