Thinking Ecumenically

On our parish website, I was adding some elements emphasizing our ecumenical nature, when the light bulb went on: Not everyone knows what the word means! How many really have any sense of the history of the ecumenical movement, in this country or worldwide? It's a rich and inspiring history, but not widely known, even among "ecumenical" folks. Since we as a Communion have chosen to include "Ecumenical" in our name, it's a subject we should all be immersed in.

First, let's clarify: "ecumenical," technically, refers to openness to and dialogue among all Christian faiths, with a view to finding common ground. Beyond the Christian realm, openness and dialogue with other religions has been termed "Interreligious" or "Interfaith." In recent years, however, the first term, "ecumenical," has been more commonly used to refer to any and every sort of reaching out, hospitality, encounter and dialogue among religions, and this is the broader sense that our Ecumenical Catholic Communion wishes to champion.

I did write a piece on the meaning of the term, and linked it on the About Us page (please have a look). But I'm still reflecting, and remembering - when was the first time I heard of "ecumenical"? I believe it was in the early 70's, when the religious world was still brimming with the excitement of Vatican II. Churches had really begun to talk with one another, and to look for common ground. Now, to be sure, some churches were vigorously going the opposite way - refusing such discussions, insisting on their own primacy or authenticity while discounting the legitimacy of other bodies. But the World Council of Churches was by then about 25 years old, and it was moving steadfastly in the direction of cooperation, collaboration and dialogue. I have always felt the Holy Spirit was behind this, for the movement had overcome so many obstacles to that dialogue.

I had been a young Jesuit seminarian at the time of the Second Vatican Council. What a heady, exciting time for the church (not to mention a fledgling seminarian). The winds of change were transporting many of us toward new ways of thinking about "the other" - you know, those other people who belong to different churches, the ones we'd been raised to think were going to hell. Suddenly we were asked to consider what we might learn from them, to imagine that they were our sisters and brothers in faith. They spoke "a different language" of faith and theology, of belief and practice - but they were seeking God just as devoutly, as passionately, as we were.

Make no mistake - we have a long, long way to go. Some religionists still proclaim theirs is the only way, and some even chant "death to the infidels." But the worldwide ecumenical movement has made wonderful, important strides. The case has been made for respect, tolerance and cooperation. What remains is to see who really cares. Who will commit to advancing the cause in their own lives, in their own churches and communities? Will we?

At St. A's I hope we will begin to chart a course that involves us more concretely in the ecumenical movement. I'm suggesting a number of activities we might consider, and I would sure love to hear from one and all about your own feelings and opinions on the subject. Here are some initial suggestions for how we can become more ecumenical in our actions as well as our words:

Regularly inviting representatives of other faith groups – Christian, Jews, Muslim, Buddhists and others to offer prayers and presentations for our learning and the opening of our minds and hearts and spirits.

Recognizing the holy days of other religions by explicit mention within our celebrations of eucharist, and in our newsletters and other communications.

Exploring ecumenical topics in book groups or movie clubs.

Appointing delegates to local interfaith groups.

Seeking to partner with other faith groups in projects for social justice.

Creating special ecumenical prayers and distributing to our members.

Offering support – physical presence, labor, prayer, etc – whenever another faith group or congregation is the object of defamation, vandalism or violence.

Best and blessings to you.