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United Methodist Ecumenism 101

Learn about United Methodism & Ecumenism - their history, principles, and the pursuit of Christian unity. Discover practical considerations and the significance of diversity within unity. Explore the roots and milestones of the Ecumenical Movement.

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United Methodist Ecumenism 101

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  1. United MethodistEcumenism 101 Rev. Dai Morgan Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference

  2. United Methodism and Ecumenism Getting to know the opposite sects

  3. OUTLINE: UM Ecumenism 101 Definition Mandate Basic Principles History Focus on UMC Practical Considerations Conclusion

  4. Etymology Ecumenical Oikoumenikos Dwelling/family + earth/world

  5. Definition ec·u·men·i·cal[ek-yoo-men-i-kuh] adjective • Pertaining to the whole Christian church. • Promoting or fostering Christian unity throughout the world. • Of or pertaining to a movement aimed at achieving Christian unity or church union through international interdenominational organizations that cooperate on matters of mutual concern.

  6. Definition ecu-me-nism, noun Any effort aimed at the unity of Christians, locally or throughout the world. (not pronouncedec-u-men-ism)

  7. Ecumenism NOT seeking one world church

  8. The Lord’s Prayer John 17:15-22 20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

  9. The Book of Discipline 2012 ¶6, page 25 The Constitution, Article VI: Ecumenical Relations

  10. The Book of Discipline 2012 ¶105, page 88 Our Theological Task Ecumenical Commitment

  11. United Methodism and Ecumenism Connectional (¶125, page 93-94) Part of the DNA of United Methodists (John Wesley = “connexion”) “Life’s better when we’re connected” Bank of America

  12. Ecumenism seeks Unity in Diversity We Christians are not all the same. Every communion has different histories, practices, doctrines and traditions. Unity does not mean uniformity. Diversity should not divide.

  13. Lund Principle Affirms that churches should act together in all matters except those in which deep differences of conviction compel them to act separately. 1952, 3rd World Conference on Faith and Order of WCC held in Lund, Sweden

  14. Like the old songs says: Accentuate the positive Eliminate the negative

  15. Two categories of ecumenical concern Faith and Order Life and Work

  16. Roots of the Ecumenical Movementthe Late 19th Century Ecumenism is a concept of the modern world arising from the great upheaval of Western Civilization in the 19th century; produced by cultural, social, political, philosophical, theological and technological changes. The idea of “Tolerance”

  17. Ancient Ecumenical Councils • Nicaea 325 • Constantinople 381 • Ephesus 431 • Chalcedon 451 • II Constantinople 553 • III Constantinople 680 • II Nicaea 787

  18. Historical Milestones • Late 19th Century Protestantism • Late 19th Century, Pope Leo XIII • 1910 World Missionary Conference, Edinburgh • 1920 Patriarch Germanus V of Constantinople • 1921 International Missionary Council, Mohonk, NY

  19. Historical Milestones • 1946 Church World Service • 1948 World Council of Churches formed, Amsterdam • 1950 National Council of Churches • 1952 Faith and Order Conference, WCC, Lund, Sweden • 1961 World Council of Churches, New Dehli

  20. Historical Milestones • 1962-1965 Vatican II, Pope John XXIII and Pope Paul VI • 1962 Consultation on Church Union (COCU) • 1969 NWCU • 1982 Faith and Order Conference, WCC, Lima, Peru (“BEM” Paper #111) • 1995 Pope John Paul II

  21. Methodist / Evangelical / United BrethrenPost-WW II Ecumenical Formations Pages 20-21 (2012 Book of Discipline) Historical Statement Movement Toward Union, 1940-1967

  22. UMC Ecumenism Today • Local Church • District • Conference • Jurisdiction • General Church

  23. Local ChurchEcumenical Shared Ministries ¶207, page 147

  24. Most common areas of WPAUMC local church ecumenical work • Ministerium Participation • Food Pantries • VBS • Special Worship Services • Bible Studies / Prayer Groups • Mission Projects

  25. Local ChurchWays to organize mixed congregations ¶208, page 148 • Federated Church • Union Church • Merged Church • Yoked Parish

  26. Ecumenical Structure Conference-level • Bishop (¶414.6, page 330) • Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Relationships (¶642, pages 473-475)

  27. General UMCEcumenical Administration • Council of Bishops (¶431, pages 342-343; ¶436, page 347) • OCUIR / Office of Christian Unity and Interreligious Relationships—attached to Council of Bishops (¶437-441, pages 347-348)

  28. General UMCfull communion partners • Evangelical Lutheran Church in America • Pan-Methodist Churches AME AMEZ AUMPC CMEC UAMEC

  29. Inter-Methodist Relationships (Autonomous Methodist Churches) • Affiliated Autonomous Methodist Churches • Affiliated United Churches • Covenanting Churches • Concordat Churches (¶570-574, pages 380-386) 2016 Pre-General Conference Consultation on Methodist Relationships

  30. General UMCEcumenical Movement Partnerships • World Council of Churches • National Council of Churches • World Methodist Council • Churches Uniting in Christ

  31. How to start a local ecumenical partnership. It’s a relationship. How do you build relationships?

  32. Ecumenical Worshipand Ministry There is a difference between inviting other traditions and being ecumenical.

  33. Ecumenical Worshipnuts and bolts • A collaboration (planning) • Select a theme • Include a procession or gathering element • Involve youth (include in planning) • Have only one or two worship leaders • However, provide roles for many • Represent (appreciate) the participating traditions in the liturgical elements

  34. Ecumenical Worship • Some degree of discomfort is to be expected • Hospitality • Inclusive language • Celebrate commonality e.g., Baptism, love for Jesus, shared Scriptures • Music is important • Rehearse

  35. Ecumenical WorshipUnited Methodists offer: • Flexibility in worship • Hymnody • Open Table (note: see ¶4, page 24, Article IV of the UM Constitution)

  36. Conclusion What do you remember?

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