ECUMENICISM

 (The Ecumenical Movement)

The essence of Ecumenical thought and activity is found in the idea of "bringing together".

This can be seen today at three very distinct levels.

A. Individual denominations that have various branches have endeavored to bring all those branches into the fold.

B. Leaders of various denominations have worked earnestly and vigorously to bring about unity within the larger body of Christ by bringing the various denominations together. 

C. Leaders of various religions have worked toward something like the brotherhood of man - the goal being to not allow religious differences to separate people but rather to learn to accept, understand, and effectively ignore religion as we go through our lives. 

There are quite a few "independent" groups (groups not specifically affiliated with a particular denomination but with representation form a cross-section of groups intending to be brought together) whose goal it is to effect the bringing together. The evidences of this abound. There are often ecumenical prayer meetings and ecumenical church services. Ministers from one denomination are invited to speak (pulpit exchange) at another denomination's church thus intending to show that there really aren't so great many differences after all. Herein lies the crux of the issue with ecumenicism. To accomplish the goal of coming together, that which separates must be set aside in order to bring about the ultimate good of coming together. This is tantamount to saying that that which brought about separation in the first place should never have taken place and therefore does not matter any longer. This ecumenical movement is facilitated by the current age's relativism which denies absolute truth. We confirm (reaffirm) absolute truth and take it one step further that if there IS absolute truth, then TRUTH MATTERS! and truth DOES make a DIFFERENCE. The Bible DOES speak positively concerning unity of believers. The Psalmist declared "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity"! (Psalm 133:1) However we are urged to test EVERY spirit to see whether or not it is of God (1 John 4:1) and we are to be discerning - discerning truth from error - and we are not to be complicit with error but rather to expose it and turn from it. So, it turns out that the true basis for true unity is tied to truth - absolute truth, and ultimately to the very One Who IS Truth - Jesus Christ. True Christian unity will NOT be accomplished by setting aside truth for the sake of coming together. The Ecumenical spirit that pervades our society today is NOT the sweet spirit of unity that comes from submission and obedience to The Truth. There IS Truth for Today! We hope you will find truth and perhaps even come to know that One Who IS Truth through the pages of this website! If we can help you in this regard, feel free to contact us at email@TruthForToday.net .    

Churches involved in ecumenicism

Church of the Brethren (COB)

Christian Reformed Church (CRC)

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

Foursquare Gospel Church

Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA)

United Church of Christ (UCC)