Ecumenicism: meaning, definitions and examples

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ecumenicism

 

[ ˌɛkjuːˈmɛnɪkɪzəm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religious unity

Ecumenicism refers to the principle or aim of promoting unity among the world's Christian churches. It emphasizes collaboration and dialogue between different denominations to foster mutual understanding and respect. The movement advocates for the removal of barriers that have historically divided Christians.

Synonyms

Christian unity, church unity, inter-denominational collaboration, religious reconciliation.

Examples of usage

  • The ecumenicism of the conference aimed to bridge gaps between different faiths.
  • She believes strongly in ecumenicism and often speaks at inter-denominational events.
  • The ecumenicism displayed at the event was praised by all attendees.
  • His work in ecumenicism helped to facilitate a joint service among various churches.

Translations

Translations of the word "ecumenicism" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ecumenismo

🇮🇳 संविधानिकता

🇩🇪 Ökumene

🇮🇩 ekumenisme

🇺🇦 екуменізм

🇵🇱 ekumenizm

🇯🇵 エキュメニズム

🇫🇷 œcuménisme

🇪🇸 ecumenismo

🇹🇷 ekümeniklik

🇰🇷 에큐메니즘

🇸🇦 الإكومنيسم

🇨🇿 ekumenismus

🇸🇰 ekumenizmus

🇨🇳 普世主义

🇸🇮 ekumenizem

🇮🇸 ekúmenismi

🇰🇿 экуменизм

🇬🇪 ეკუმენიზმი

🇦🇿 ekumenizm

🇲🇽 ecumenismo

Etymology

The term 'ecumenicism' derives from the Greek word 'oikoumene,' which means 'the inhabited world' or 'the whole earth.' This phrase was historically used in a Christian context to refer to all Christians and the collective effort to foster unity among different church groups. The modern concept began to take shape in the early 20th century with various movements focused on ecumenical dialogue and cooperation against the backdrop of increasing division among Christian denominations. It gained significant traction in the mid-20th century with the formation of the World Council of Churches in 1948, which aimed to promote Christian unity while respecting diversity. This historical interplay has shaped ecumenicism's evolution as a movement committed to reconciliation and cooperative engagement among different faith traditions.