Ecumenism: What does it mean for WCRC?

Fifth word: Ecumenism

The term “ecumenism” comes from the Greek word oikoumene, which means “one inhabited world.” The word points to the reality of the church: that it is one, extending in time and space throughout this entire world. Painful divisions in the church, however, obscure this reality.

Ecumenism is necessary because division undermines the credibility of the church’s witness to the reconciling work of God in Christ for peace. Divided churches contradict this good news.

The World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) wants to see its member churches transformed into interdependent communities engaged in mission and outreach that support and challenge each other as partners in their work.
But ecumenism among churches in the Reformed tradition is not an end in itself. In the recent past, WCRC has organized dialogues with Lutherans, Roman Catholics, Pentecostals, and others in effort to overcome obstacles to unity among all Christians.

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