ekumenia

Ekumenia is the term used in many languages to refer to the ecumenical movement, the ongoing effort among Christian churches to promote unity, cooperation, and shared mission.

Etymology and usage: The word derives from Greek oikoumene, "the inhabited world" or "the whole world." In English, the term ecumenism is common; ekumenia appears in several languages (for example Polish, Russian, Finnish, Swedish) as the equivalent noun.

Historical development: While the concept has ancient roots in the idea of one universal church, the modern ecumenical movement began in the 19th and 20th centuries. The 1910 Edinburgh Missionary Conference helped mobilize ecumenical cooperation; the World Council of Churches was founded in 1948 to coordinate interdenominational work; Vatican II's 1964 decree Unitatis Redintegratio affirmed church-to-church dialogue and shared initiatives.

Practices and institutions: Ecumenism encompasses dialogues, joint worship, theological exchanges, and collaborative social action. It operates through global bodies such as the World Council of Churches and through national councils of churches, as well as interdenominational commissions and partner networks.

Spectrum and reception: Attitudes toward ecumenism vary; some Christian traditions emphasize doctrinal purity and resist certain forms of dialogue; others view ecumenical activity as essential for unity, mission, and social justice. Critics worry about compromise, while supporters stress visible unity and practical cooperation.