Ekumenism

Ekumenism refers to the movement and efforts aimed at promoting unity and cooperation among different Christian denominations. The term itself is derived from the Greek word "oikoumene," which means "the inhabited world" or "the whole house." Historically, the Christian church has been divided into various traditions, such as Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism, with further subdivisions within these major branches. Ekumenism seeks to overcome these divisions and foster a sense of shared Christian identity and mission.

The modern ekumenical movement gained significant momentum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Key milestones include the Edinburgh World Missionary Conference in 1910 and the establishment of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in 1948. The WCC is an international organization that brings together a wide range of Christian churches to foster unity, serve humanity, and engage in dialogue.

Ekumenical activities can take many forms. They include theological dialogue to address doctrinal differences, joint worship services and prayer gatherings, shared social action and service projects, and educational initiatives aimed at fostering mutual understanding. While complete organic union of all churches is a long-term aspiration for some, many ekumenists focus on practical cooperation and the recognition of common ground. The movement also involves dialogue with other religions, though its primary focus remains on Christian unity.