Ecumenicism: A Move Towards Each Other, Or Away From Truth?
The book of Revelation speaks ominously of a one-world religion led by the false prophet and the Antichrist. This one-world religion will oppose the Gospel, persecute Christians, and minimize the importance of sacred doctrine. Fear of moving toward or somehow supporting this last-days political/faith system leads many conservative believers to reject the ecumenical movement.
However, unity is commended in Scripture, and among most Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox groups, there is considerable agreement on foundational doctrines. Therefore, efforts to come together to exalt the Father and serve others should be prayerfully considered.
What Exactly is Ecumenicism?
Ecumenicism generally refers to a coming together or cooperation of faith groups to accomplish noble work for God. Often the ecumenical movement is presented as a way for projects to be accomplished in ways that are larger in scope and scale than an individual group can accomplish on their own.
The Ecumenical movement sees Ecclesiastes 4:9 as a foundational verse (“Two are greater than one, for there is a greater return for their work”). When faith groups understand that they do not need to see eye-to-eye on every point of doctrine to walk hand-in-hand in service to God and others, great things can be accomplished.
In John 17, Jesus called His disciples (and all future believers) to be unity. This does not mean unity of thought or practice but in the belief that there is one God, one truth, and a shared commission to witness and serve.
The disciples of Jesus were radically different from each other—for example, Simon the Zealot would have likely hated Levi the tax collector. The disciples were not united in background, passions, or education but were able to cooperate and unite in Christ. They accomplished much when they worked together, and even more when Peter and Paul encouraged ecumenical cooperation with the Gentile world.
How Would Ecumenicism Benefit Those Involved in Religion?
Ecumenical cooperation is a way for Christian churches to model obedience and show the world the love of Christ. Working together to accomplish a common good is a powerful and positive witness for the Lord.
What Does Jesus Christ Say About the Ecumenical Movement?
In John 17, Jesus prayed that his followers would be “one,” meaning united. Jesus also noted the reason for the command: “That the world may know that God sent the Son.” Incredibly, the power of the witness of the church is directly tied to the perceived unity among believers in the body of Christ.
Those not in a relationship with God will not come to the conclusion that God is love if love and unity and cooperative efforts are not expressed in Christian work. The Word—His Word, compels us to seek His will and fulfill His desire. Believers must push past comfort zones and denomination boundaries to embrace God’s call to be “one.”
Being “one” does not require individuals or groups to compromise their convictions but does require grasping the big (universal) vision for God’s call to Christian churches. The term Catholic means universal—having a Kingdom mindset honors God and positions the church to accomplish its “Great Commission” mandate.
What is the World Council of Churches?
The World Council of Churches (WCC) is a fellowship of churches that confess the Lord Jesus Christ as God and Saviour according to the scriptures and therefore seek to fulfill together their common calling to the glory of the one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Founded in Amsterdam in 1948, the WCC has member churches in more than 110 countries and territories throughout the world, representing over 560 million individuals.
The stated aim of the WCC is laudable and God-honoring. However, conservative groups claim that in pursuing high levels of cooperation, the faith organization has welcomed members who reject an orthodox interpretation of the Scriptures and sacred doctrine.
Deeply disturbing to some Protestant groups are members who reject the need for salvation, the deity of Jesus, the importance of baptism, and the need to confess Jesus as Lord.
Nevertheless, working with the World Council of Churches on justice or humanitarian projects can present the world powerful and positive witness for the Lord.
How Does the Catholic Church Feel about Ecumenicism?
Catholics have a positive attitude toward ecumenical cooperation. Catholics hold that the Pope is the head of the “one and only holy and apostolic church” but reject the idea that Catholic and Protestant churches cannot cooperate for the cause of Christ. Church leaders believe a focus on justice, family, meeting the needs of immigrants, disaster relief work, and humanitarian projects can unite Christians and present a positive testimony for God.
How Does the Orthodox Church Feel About Ecumenicism?
The Orthodox Church does not embrace the idea of ecumenism. Though there are a few exceptions, such as sharing responsibility for the care and services associated with the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, Orthodox leaders hold that formal engagement in projects outside their faith will lead to a compromise of their faith.
Sometimes referring to ecumenicism as the "heresy of heresies," it seems unlikely there will be great cooperation in this area in the near future.
How Do Protestants Feel About Ecumenicism?
Protestant groups do not have one creed or governing body. This has spurred the development of hundreds of faith groups operating under the banner of Protestantism. Many Protestant groups embrace the idea of ecumenicism and desire to provide the world with visible unity—an example of cooperation and God-honoring fellowship.
However, multiple conservative Protestant groups take fear with doctrinal positions held by groups such as the WCC and believe it best to stay clear of groups holding doctrine influenced by liberals.
Why Should Christians, Catholics and Orthodox Unite?
According to John 17, there is a strong correlation between the level of unity among Christians and the power of their witness. The genuine nature of the witness of the church has been put in question. Misconduct, financial mismanagement, and headlines profiling petty squabbles and denominational division have provided the many looking for excuses to reject “organized religion” just what they needed.
That there are more than 100 Baptist denominations in the United States does not illustrate a commitment to unite under the banner of Jesus Christ. Greater cooperation can lead to an enhanced witness, scope of service, and Christian fellowship.
What is the Process of Ecumenicism?
Breaking down barriers to united cooperation may begin with the death of the my denominational view is best or my-creed-only ideology. Instead of focusing on the unique qualities in the 1000+ denominations today that divide, church leaders should encourage a two groups mindset—believers and unbelievers, and the call for believers to unite and serve the cause of Christ.
Modeling Jesus’ ministry efforts, Christians should go where few dare go and minister to and with the least of these.
Though religious leaders of the day scolded Jesus for crossing invisible barriers, he recognized the Father’s leading and authority in the matter. Jesus took the initiative to connect with the different—we should too.
The Holy Spirit and the Ecumenical Movement
In 1 Corinthians 12-15, Paul spoke of believers as being part of one body of Christ—complementing each other and as Paul wrote, bringing out the best in each other. The Bible encourages us to be mindful that it is the Holy Spirit Himself that calls and gifts believers—and sets each person in place in the body of Christ as it is pleasing to Him (a truth worthy of consideration).
How Do We Practice Ecumenicism?
Ministry Matters suggests three action steps to move toward an ecumenical view:
- Mutual recognition: We recognize we are brothers and sisters in Christ despite our theological differences.
- Mutual understanding: We should pray for and extend grace to those with different perspectives from our own.
- Mutual respect and restraint: We refrain from comments that divide and discourage
These simple steps can go a long way to building bridges of cooperation.
Visit Different Places of Worship
All believers should study the practices and doctrines associated with the major religions. Many study resources are available online. Consider sharing in a mass, service, or prayer event to better your understanding of how different groups worship the Lord.
Form a Prayer Service Together
Prayer is a non-threatening endeavor that can unify and uplift in wonderful ways. Interfaith or joint-church prayer gatherings are a great way to foster unity and move toward the ultimate goal of increasing cooperation for the glory of Christ.
Practice a Liturgy Created by an Ecumenical Council
Many faith groups have key words, creeds, and teachings that are rich in meaning and history. Growing in understanding of how different faith groups celebrate their faith can enrich your own spiritual walk.
