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ECumenism : The search for Unity. Ecumenism. Ecumenism is defined as the movement to reunite all Christians in cooperation it is not merely a movement of dialogue, but of reunion to form one Christian church In your small group:
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Ecumenism • Ecumenism is defined as the movement to reunite all Christians in cooperation • it is not merely a movement of dialogue, but of reunion to form one Christian church • In your small group: • Discuss what you think the boundaries and issues are among the Christian denominations. Consider teachings, view of the Bible, who can become clergy, rituals/practices, style of liturgy.
Before Vatican II, the Catholic Church was much less open to dialogue with other Christian groups. • Catholics were formerly not permitted to worship with other Christians. • Some great strides have been made, e.g. forgiving past excommunications. • Today, priests are still not allowed to concelebrate with other denominations if there is Eucharist • The Catholic Church has always recognized the baptism of other Christian groups (i.e. converts are not re-baptized) • Eastern Orthodoxy is less open to ecumenism - their worldview prevents it (it will weaken orthodoxy). Discussions remain open. • In Protestantism, there is disagreement between more liberal and more conservative branches (issues?) • The sharing of buildings or services has helped to create renewed bonds
Interfaith Dialogue in Christianity • Reflect: There is no Jew or Greek, servant or free, male or female: you are all one in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:28). • Review: • Nostra Aetate • the Catholic Church’s view on the similarities shared by the major world religions • the societal need for dialogue • the definitions for interfaith responses, including interfaith dialogue