Ecumenical

"The contribution of Christians in the United States to the ecumenical movement is felt throughout the world. I encourage all of you to persevere, always relying on the grace of the risen Christ…" -His Holiness Benedict XVI

The Meaning of Ecumenism

Ecumenism, from the Greek word “oikoumene,” meaning “the whole inhabited world,” is the promotion of cooperation and unity between Christian denominations. The Ecumenical movement today has been brought about by the conviction of Christians that a divided Christianity is a scandal to the world and contrary to the will of Jesus Christ.

Those of every Communion who have dedicated themselves to ecumenical endeavors are convinced that the unity of Christians is not just a gift but a task, a steady development towards actualization. The bond of unity among Christians must be forged and the Church be open to the world in order to unify all in Christ.

Underlying the Catholic Church’s pursuit of ecumenism is its recognition that elements of sanctification and truth are found in other churches (Second Vatican Council, Lumen Gentium 8). It can be said that the Ecumenicity of the Church is another way of expressing her radical catholicity or universality (See Guidelines for Lutheran-Roman Catholic Dialogue 1967).

Read more - The USCCB's Ecumenical Mission: A History

Ecumenical Progress

Since the 1960’s, following Vatican II, breakthrough agreements have been reached between Catholics and other communions including a statement on Baptism, Eucharist, and Ministry. A joint statement on the doctrine of justification was similarly released between Catholics and Lutherans. 

The USCCB’s Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs participates in more than a dozen such ongoing ecumenical dialogues and consultations. Read more about our Dialogue with Others, including news, related web sites, and historical background for individual dialogues.