1. What is Ecumenism?

Introduction
In the new Testament writings, Jesus calls for unity among us because he loves us
all. Not only to fulfil his mission to unite Christian but he also reminded us of the
benefits and joy in attaining unity among us. This is the “principle or aim of
promoting unity among the world’s Christian Churches” for Christ we are all
special and we have a special place in His Father’s place – the heavenly place.
Ecumenism
- Is “the beliefs, principles, or the practices of those who desire and work for
world-wide unity and cooperation among all Christian Churches.”
The Purpose of Ecumenism
- The division among religious groups especially the Christian religion really
creates problem in our life as Christian believers. Through this division we
Christians are throwing negative testimonies on other religious groups.
- In the history of religion also caused war among kingdoms. Many Christian
died for their faith and others were burned alive to defend the existing
religion of their time especially the Christian religion.
- The call for unity among Christian churches is a must especially in our time.
This is not only to prevent division but also religious wars and
discrimination among us.
The following are the New Testament writing that would remind us the urgent call
for unity among us Christian.
- There is one body and one spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of
your calling: one Lord, one Faith and one Baptism. (Ephesians 4:4-5)
- As many as you were baptized into Christ have put on Christ, there is neither
Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male or
female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3: 27-28)
- Each of you says, I belong to Paul, or I belong to Cephas, or I belong to
Christ. Is Christ Divided? (1 Corinthians 1:12-13)
The central to all ecumenical discussion is, of course, Jesus’ high priestly prayer in
the upper room as recorded in the fourth gospel. (John 17:20-21)
The second Vatican council decree on Ecumenism, citing the above and other New
Testament passages, stresses further New Testament note that unity is the gift of
the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit, dwelling in those who believe, pervading and
ruling over the entire Church, who brings about that marvellous communion of the
faithful and joins them together so intimately in Christ that He is the principles of
church Unity. (Abbot, ed, 1996), (Dignity of perpetualite, p.66)

2. Early and contemporary meaning of Ecumenism

Scriptural Foundation
- “and this Good news of the Kingdom will be preached through all the world
for a witness to all people; and then the end will come” (Mathew 24:14)
Introduction
- The early contemporary meaning of ecumenism has something in common.
The term used might be different, but the essence will not go further
especially when talking of unity and harmony in a certain place or oikos.
The following discussion will help you understand the literal meaning of the
term ecumenism.
The early meaning of ecumenism come from Greek words “oikos” which means a
“house or dwelling” and “oikeo” which means to “live or dwell” we have the
English derivatives, such as ecumenical, ecumenicity, ecumenic, and ecumenism
are simply translation from the Greek oikumene.” Which means the land where
people live or dwell and comes in time to describe the Inhabited Earth.

The Contemporary meaning of Ecumenism

- The effect of division among Christian churches urges many Christian for
unity upon realizing that division is not the solution of church problem.
- The basic contemporary meaning of the word ecumenism means fostering
the unity among Christians.
- Protestant history, ecumenical activity has dealt not only with the unity of
the Church but also with world-wide mission.
- Mission derived from missio (to sent forth) and denotes the responsibility of
the Church to go into the entire inhabited world, “to witness to its faith in
 Christ Jesus. Thus, the missionary activity is likewise an expression of
ecumenical concern. (Dignity of Perpetualite, pp. 69-74)

3. Local various forms of Ecumenism.

Scriptural Foundation
 
because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with
the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your
sake. (1 Thessalonians 1:5)  

Introduction
The various forms of local ecumenism will help the Church understand the
importance and essence of ecumenism. Each form will help the organizer to
promote a harmonious relationship among Christian Churches and ecclesial
communities.

1. Sharing in prayer and worship

2. Common Bible Work
3. Joint Pastoral care
4. Shared Premises
5. Collaboration in Education
6. Joint Use of Communication Media
7. Cooperation in the health Field.
8. National and International Emergencies
9. Relief of Human Need
10.Social Problem
11.Sodepax Group
12.Bilateral Dialogues
13.Meetings of the Head of Communion
14.Joint Working Group
15.Councils of Churches and Christian Council
 4. The Inter-Faith Dialogue
Scriptural Foundation
that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May
they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. (John
17:21)
Introduction
- The inter-faith dialogues will help us clarify some things not common to us
and something strange in our beliefs. This is also mention in the Chinese
communities which usually have syncretist beliefs consisting of Buddhist,
Taoist, and Confucianist element brings up the necessity of inter-religious
dialogue in the task of evangelisation.
- Unity among us is impossible without giving consideration on our
differences and beliefs.
- It is through genuine dialogue we can attain unity among Christian religious
groups, denomination and non-Christian Groups.
The Term Dialogue – is a conversation between two or more people as a feature
of a book, play, film or a discussion between two or more people or groups,
especially one directed towards exploration of a particular subject or resolution of
a problem.
Inter-faith Dialogue - it is very important especially not only in history but also in
our time. There are still conflicts in our time and even wars that is purely religious
in nature or a wrong notion of religious beliefs.

What is the Catholic Church view about inter-religious dialogue and

evangelization?
The Catholic Church is far from being opposed to evangelization; interreligious
dialogue is a part of the church evangelizing mission. On our part this dialogue
must be premised on the fact that:
1. Salvation in Christ Jesus is offered to all.
2. God’ makes himself present in many ways… to entire peoples through their
spiritual riches.
 3. The Church is the ordinary means of salvation and that she alone possesses
the fullness of the means of salvation.
A few ground rules may be useful as the ecumenical dialogue spreads. These are:
1. Each partner must believe that the other is speaking in good faith.
2. Each partner must have a clear understanding of his own faith.
3. Each partner must strive for the clear understanding of the faith of the other.
4. Each partner must accept responsibility in humility and penitence for what
his group has done and is doing to foster and perpetuate division.
5. Each partner must forthrightly face the issues that cause separation, as well
as those, which create unity.
6. Each partner must seek to make the dialogue a source of renewal in his own
Church.

The Beauty of Gods Creation

Scriptural Foundation
16 
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth,
visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or
powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 
And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (Colossians 1:16-17)
Introduction
Knowing our origin would always suffice by going back on the history of creation
or the beginning of creation and the history of sin or the fall of man. By knowing
our history by God’s design, we can understand how important the purpose of
God’s creation to humankind.
1. The Creation of God-
2. Nothing exists that does owe its existence to God the Creator- Nothing
exists that does not owe its existence to God the Creator. The world began
when God's word drew it out of nothingness; all existent beings, all of
nature, and all human history are rooted in this primordial event, the very
genesis by which the world was constituted, and time begun. (CCC, 338)
3. The Result of Creation- Each creature possesses its own particular
goodness and perfection. For each one of the works of the "six days" it is
 said: "And God saw that it was good." "By the very nature of creation,
material being is endowed with its own stability, truth and excellence, its
own order and laws." Each of the various creatures, willed in its own being,
reflects in its own way a ray of God's infinite wisdom and goodness. Man
must therefore respect the particular goodness of every creature, to avoid
any disordered use of things which would be in contempt of the Creator and
would bring disastrous consequences for human beings and their
environment. (CCC,339)
- Our interconnectedness- God wills the interdependence of creatures. The
sun and the moon, the cedar and the little flower, the eagle and the sparrow:
the spectacle of their countless diversities and inequalities tells us that no
creature is self-sufficient. Creatures exist only in dependence on each other,
to complete each other, in the service of each other. (CCC,340)
- The Beauty of the Universe- The beauty of the universe: The order and
harmony of the created world results from the diversity of beings and from
the relationships which exist among them. Man discovers them
progressively as the laws of nature. They call forth the admiration of
scholars. The beauty of creation reflects the infinite beauty of the Creator
and ought to inspire the respect and submission of man's intellect and will.
(CCC,341)
- The Hierarchy of Creatures- The hierarchy of creatures is expressed by
the order of the "six days", from the less perfect to the more perfect. God
loves all his creatures and takes care of each one, even the sparrow.
Nevertheless, Jesus said: "You are of more value than many sparrows", or
again: "Of how much more value is a man than a sheep!" (CCC, 342)
4. Man Created in the image of God- Of all visible creatures only man is
"able to know and love his creator". He is "the only creature on earth that
God has willed for its own sake", and he alone is called to share, by
knowledge and love, in God's own life. It was for this end that he was
created, and this is the fundamental reason for his dignity:
What made you establish man in so great a dignity? Certainly the
incalculable love by which you have looked on your creature in yourself!
You are taken with love for her; for by love indeed you created her, by love
you have given her a being capable of tasting your eternal Good. (CCC,356)
- Being in the image of God the human individual possesses the dignity of a
person, who is not just something, but someone. He is capable of self-
knowledge, of self-possession and of freely giving himself and entering into
communion with other persons. And he is called by grace to a covenant with
his Creator, to offer him a response of faith and love that no other creature
can give in his stead. (CCC,357)