Ecumenism

The word "ecumenism" (ek-yoo-muh-niz-uhm) is derived from the Greek oikoumene, which means "the inhabited world". The term is usually used with regard to movements toward religious unity. In its most broad meaning therefore, ecumenism is the religious initiative towards world-wide unity. At a minimum, ecumenism is the promotion of unity, co-operation, or improved understanding between distinct religious groups or denominations within the same religion more or less broadly defined.

Two general types of ecumenism are discernible. The interfaith ecumenical movement strives for greater mutual respect, toleration, and co-operation between the world religions. Ecumenism in this sense is discussed at great length under the entry on religious pluralism. This is distinguishable from ecumenism within a faith-group.

One of the important theoreticians of ecumenism was a French priest and theologian Yves Congar.

Ecumenical council

In the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches an ecumenical council is a council of nearly all bishops of the whole church, capable of infallible decisions on theological questions. Catholics construe "the whole church" as including only Catholics. Eastern Orthodoxy construes it as including only, and with the consent of all of, the Orthodox which, they contend, since the Great Schism, consists of only the Eastern Orthodox; they call the Patriarch of Constantinople the "Ecumenical Patriarch" and "first among equals" – he has juristiction within his patriarchate and in those other parts of the world without another patriarch.

Hinduism

Hinduism is a religion that some would argue is inherently ecumenical and teaches a fundamental doctrine of multilateralism in regards to truth and spirituality. Hinduism teaches that, in essence, all religious, philosophical and spiritual paths when followed with a common base of human morality and love will reveal truth to the seeker, regardless of professed creed. This is largely based on a passage from the Vedas which states, "Ekam sat, viprah bahudha vadanti", or, "Truth is one, but the wise call it by many names".

See also

• Universalism
• Hinduism
• Unitarian Universalism
• Christian ecumenism
• Jewish views of religious pluralism and Relationships between Jewish religious movements
• Religious pluralism

External links

• Ecumenical & Denominational Links: a definitive list
• Spiritual Heart The Religion of Unity.