What does ecumenicalism mean?
Ecumenicalism is the principle, and by extension the organized effort, of promoting unity and cooperation among the various branches of Christianity — Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and others. The term derives from the Greek oikoumene, meaning 'the whole inhabited world', reflecting its ambition to transcend denominational boundaries across Christendom as a whole. In practice, ecumenicalism has expressed itself through bodies such as the World Council of Churches, through joint statements on doctrine and social issues, and through shared worship and charitable work. The word is used mainly in formal, theological, and journalistic contexts; the shorter form 'ecumenism' is more common in everyday usage. While generally carrying positive connotations of reconciliation and openness, it can also be used critically — particularly within conservative circles — to describe what is seen as doctrinal dilution. Beyond strictly Christian contexts, it sometimes serves as shorthand for any spirit of interreligious goodwill and collaboration.
nounThe principle or movement promoting unity and cooperation among the world's Christian churches and denominations.
- The principle or practice of promoting unity and cooperation among different Christian denominations.
- By extension, a spirit or policy of cooperation and openness between religious groups more broadly.
"His lifelong commitment to ecumenicalism helped heal divisions between the Protestant and Catholic communities in his city."
"The council's embrace of ecumenicalism opened formal dialogue with Orthodox and Anglican churches for the first time in centuries."
"In an era of interfaith dialogue, many theologians see ecumenicalism as a model for broader religious cooperation."
The word traces back to the Greek 'oikoumene' — 'the whole inhabited world' — so ecumenicalism literally means an effort to unite the entire known world under one roof.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of ecumenicalism
Ecumenicalism comes from the Greek oikoumene, meaning 'the whole inhabited world', derived from oikein ('to inhabit'), itself related to oikos ('house'). The term entered English via Late Latin oecumenicus and ultimately the adjective 'ecumenical', which had long described the universal church and its general councils. The noun forms 'ecumenism' and 'ecumenicalism' arose in the 20th century alongside the modern ecumenical movement, which gained momentum after missionary conferences and the founding of the World Council of Churches. Cognates sharing this root include 'ecumenical' and 'ecumenicity'; the same Greek root gives us words such as 'economy' (originally household management).
Related word forms
How ecumenicalism is actually used
Formal and chiefly academic or ecclesiastical in register; in everyday speech, 'ecumenism' is far more common than the longer form 'ecumenicalism'. The word carries a positive connotation of tolerance and reconciliation, though some conservative believers use it critically to describe perceived doctrinal compromise.
Easily confused with ecumenicalism
Ecumenism is the shorter, far more common synonym for the same idea, while ecumenicalism is a fuller variant form that emphasizes the doctrine or ideology of church unity.