Difference between revisions of "Ecumenism"

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Revision as of 19:07, October 22, 2005

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also that shall believe on me through their word: That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. (Joh 17:20-21)

Ecumenism is, principally, dialogue between Christian denominations aimed at promoting the restoration of unity among all Christians through understanding, through mutual respect and toleration, and through practical cooperation in areas of common concern.

Orthodox Christians take widely different attitudes toward ecumenism. A few embrace the Anglican "branch theory" which implies that the various divisions in Christianity all represent branches of the same Church just as the branches of a tree are all integrally part of the same living tree. Many object to this theory on the ground that it tends to minimize Orthodoxy, reducing its stature as exclusively the one holy catholic and apostolic Church to that of a relatively small segment of the Church: one denomination among many.

Some regard ecumenism as an opportunity to present Orthodoxy to the world as a unique witness to the ancient Christian faith and to the Church as the indivisible body of Christ. Others feel that ecumenism necessarily undermines this witness and feel that the Orthodox will be forced to alter traditional practices and even the very content of the ancient apostolic faith.

In the Twentieth Century particularly, some ecumenical activities have drawn sharp criticism from various voices within the Orthodox Church, particularly participation in the World Council of Churches and, in the United States, the National Council of Churches. Ecumenism is often opposed by Traditionalists, particularly those in Old Calendarist jurisdictions, who regard the New Calendar as a symptom of branch theory ecumenism.

One of the more controversial documents drawn up in recent years pertaining to ecumenism is the Balamand Statement, an unofficial joint document of recommendation on Uniatism signed by representatives of the Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church in 1993.

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