Ecumenism

1. Ecumenism

2. Definition • Ecumenism refers to the movement towards religious unity amongst Christian denomination • Unity does not mean uniformity. • Ecumenism is not about combining all denominations, rather it is unity in Christ outweighs their diversity in practice and beliefs. “We’re coming together, as one, as whole, as Christians”

3. Ecumenism term • Ecumenism comes from the Greek word “Oikoumene” • Oikou = the household. • Mene = the one whole. • Not interfaith - This is not to be confused with interfaith dialogue which seeks unity outside of the Christian churches.

4. Scriptural foundation • The New Testament emphasises that the visible unity of Christians is an essential aspect of their witness as followers of Jesus Christ . • John 17:21 : “that they may all be one. As you, Father, 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”

5. Scriptural foundation • Corinthians 12:12 : “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. ” • Galatians 2:27-28: “As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. “

6. Catholic Catechism • Catechism 821 - Certain things are required in order to respond adequately to this call: • a permanent renewal of the Church in greater fidelity to her vocation; • conversion of heart as the faithful "try to live holier lives according to the Gospel“; • prayer in common • fraternal knowledgeof each other • ecumenical formation of the faithful

7. Catholic Catechism • - dialogue among theologians and meetings among Christians of the different churches and communities; • - collaboration among Christians in various areas of service to mankind.286 "Human service" is the idiomatic phrase.

8. History of Ecumenism • Ecumenism began as a grass roots movement, riven largely by the experiences of individual believers who recognised that what Christians have in common is more significant than the things that divide them.

9. History of Ecumenism Since the 1970s, in particular there have bee many conversations between different groups and denomination dealing with doctrinal matters and areas o cooperation.

10. The scandal of Christian disunity. • Ecumenism is the opposite of sectarianism

11. Nature of Ecumenical Initiatives • Highest level - formal ecumenical bodies (Churches) – • “Seek to find official agreement on issues that have often divided denominations”. • Practical Level – Churches cooperate on common issues of need – social justice. • Local level – Parishes – Education/Prayer services

12. Examples / Initiatives Ecumenical Bodies • Uniting Church founded in 1977 • Merger of all Methodists, 65% of Presbyterians and 95% of Congregationalists. • “Seeking to bear witness to that unity which is both Christ's gift and will for the Church”

13. Uniting Church Logo • The emblem of the Uniting Church in Australia shows: • The cross of Jesus Christ, in its light and love, • Standing over a darkened world - redeeming it through grace and truth. • The Holy Spirit, symbolised by the dove with the wings of flame, • The wide U at the bottom points to the fact that we are uniting; as a semicircle it also reminds us that the renewing of both church and world are as yet incomplete.

14. Examples / Initiatives Ecumenical Bodies • The National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) • Formed after WWII • Seeks to strengthen the cause of Christian unity in Australia. • Work together, pray together and grow together. • 15 member Christian churches that dialogue and collaborate • The NCCA also provides resources for the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

15. Examples / Initiatives Ecumenical Bodies • The NSW Ecumenical Council • Formed 1982 • 16 Churches • 11 Catholic Church dioceses • Reflects upon theology • Grass roots level – • Social Justice • Education • Advocacy

16. Christmas Bowl Local Initiatives An appeal of the National Council of Churches in Australia Operated for past 60 years.  Funded by donations Funds programs in 22 countries in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the Pacific and Australia.  Partnering local organisations.

17. Christmas Bowl Local Initiatives $10 ensures a child in Gaza has access to a doctor. $20 provides a month's salary for a senior health worker in Sri Lankan refugee camps $65 buys one midwife's delivery kit in India 

18. House of Welcome Local Initiatives A project of the New South Wales Ecumenical Council. Was initially established in 2001 to provide assistance to asylum Seekers who were released from detention on Temporary Protection Visas.

19. House of Welcome Local Initiatives • Services: • is a safe and convivial Drop In Centre for Asylum seekers and refugees. • first contact for assessment of needs, and identification of services required • accommodation, employment, education, language classes, computer classes, volunteer visitors, respite holidays and outings, newsletters in english

20. Weekly Prayer of Christian Unity Local Initiatives Began in 1908 8 days leading up to Pentecost. “Pray without ceasing”  (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Encourages churches to worship together locally, to witness to their unity in Christ, and to pray and act for the greater visible expression of that unity.