Objectives
By the end of this module you will be able to:
- describe the origins of the twentieth century ecumenical movement
- understand the rationale and theology of ecumenism
- identify the different christian churches and their origins as described in the Decree on Ecumenism.
Introduction to Module 7
Ecumenism is an important aspect of church life today. Not only does one have the World Council of Churches identifying church unity as their goal but the Catholic Church is absolutely committed to the restoration of unity. One should recall here that one of the "notes" that is "characteristics" of the Christian church is that she is "one" (cf. Reading 5.4). When that "oneness" is absent Christians strive to restore it.
Theology today is frequently taught and learned in an ecumenical atmosphere, that is, one is more aware of what other Christian think and say and what their traditions are. Many theological colleges and universities are teaching theology across denominational boundaries. Scripture scholars are able to meet and discuss the Bible on common ground. Bible translations have been produced that are ecumenically acceptable.
In Australia there are Colleges of Divinity in the large cities that are ecumenical by composition and outlook. Many journals of theology, such as Colloquium, St Mark’s Review, Pacifica, and National Outlook are ecumenical.
At the parish level things are moving more slowly. It has to be admitted that many Christians do not know much about ecumenism and some cannot see why it is important. Others are convinced and all kinds of activities that promote ecumenism have sprung up. These include such activities as ecumenical prayers groups, Taize evenings of prayer, ecumenical services, Christmas Carols, exchange of pulpits, interchurch refugee support groups, social justice groups, and annual interchurch dinners.
At the official level there have been many dialogues among Christian churches in Australia. cf Ray Williamson’s book, Stages along the Way.
Introduction to Reading 7.1
G.Goosen, "A Short History of Ecumenism", Bringing Churches Together, (Sydney: E.J.Dwyer, 1993), 13-42.
This is the second chapter of the book and sets out the historical details of the movement known today as the ecumenical movement. It starts with the meaning of the word "ecumenism" which many people find a rather difficult word and prefer something like "interchurch". However as you will see the root meaning of "ecumenism" is important.
The historical overview includes the early church lest some think that there were no problems of disunity at that time. The history of Christianity has never been free of some disunity. But there were also people in every age who tried to reconcile differences even though their efforts were not always rewarded. As regards the early church one should also note that it was united but that there was a great diversity of practices and theologies (as in the New Testament, cf. Module 2). Unity does not mean uniformity.
From the early church the chapter more or less jumps to the formation of the World Council of Churches in 1947. This century marks an enormously enthusiastic movement towards unity and has already achieved much in this regard. Notice that it was the Christian missionaries that initially took action (see Module 8). The Catholic Church did not join the WCC but with Pope John XXIII and Vatican II, the Catholic Church has joined in the ecumenical movement with enthusiasm and commitment.
This chapter gives you some historical overview which will prepare you for the more detailed look at the decree on ecumenism which follows.
Exercise 7.1
7.1.1 What did "ecumene" mean originally and what does it mean today?
7.1.2 What signs of ecumenical vitality are there in Australia?
7.1.3 Write a summary paragraph on how the WCC evolved from the 1910 Edinburgh Conference.
7.1.4 Is the WCC a superchurch? Explain.
7.1.5 Name some reasons why the Catholic Church was slow to join the ecumenical movement.
Introduction to Reading 7.2
Vatican II, "Reintegratio Unitatis", (Decree on Ecumenism), in The Documents of Vatican II, ed. W. Abbott,
This decree of Vatican II was one of the very surprising and innovative documents. It changed many things in the Catholic Church to the point where some people found it difficult to adapt and still do! It requires a new way of understanding what it is to be a christian, and a new way of seeing all the things that unite Christians rather than focusing only on what divides.
It marked a change in the way the Catholic Church saw itself. Instead of wanting to form its own ecumenical movement it came to realize that there is only one ecumenical movement, the one inspired by the Holy Spirit, and that hence all Christian should join in that one.
Exercise 7.2
7.2.1 How does #4 describe the "ecumenical movement"?
7.2.2 Identify the main splits in Christianity according to #13.
7.2.3 Whose fault was the Reformation according to this document?
7.2.4 Describe the Uniate Churches and Orthodox briefly.
7.2.5 Name the churches stemming from the Reformation.
7.2.6 How should Catholics view the Bible?
7.2.7 What is "spiritual" ecumenism?
Introduction to Reading 7.3
G. Goosen , "The Theology of Ecumenism", in Bringing Churches Together, (Sydney: E.J.Dwyer, 1993), 12.
This reading is the first chapter of the book, Bringing Churches Together. Note the pie chart on page 1. The three main and numerically unequal sections of Christianity are Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox. Between them, and within them, there is a great diversity especially regarding ritual, practices, piety and customs.
Ecumenism is initially all about meeting other Christians and getting to know them so that one may arrive at a better understanding of their religious positions. This is important before one can speak of restoring unity. This implies a change of heart as many Christians have inherited certain prejudices and biases about other Christians from their parents and religious communities.
The reason for working towards Christian unity is vital if there is to be sustained progress. This rationale is set out in pages 3-6. Some Christians say it is good for Christians to work together as numbers are decreasing. This is a very practical reason but not the theological one.
Exercise 7.3
7.3.1 Refer to the three questions on page 10 of the third Reading and attempt to write response to these questions.
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