What does ecumenically mean?
"Ecumenically" is an adverb describing action done in a spirit of unity across divisions, most commonly the divisions between Christian denominations. A church that works ecumenically cooperates with other traditions rather than standing apart from them — sharing services, joint charitable projects, or theological dialogue. The word derives from the Greek oikoumenē, meaning "the inhabited world," so it carries an inherent sense of universality and openness. By extension, it can describe any broad-minded, inclusive approach that reaches across ideological or organizational boundaries, though this wider use is less common. The tone is formal, and the word appears chiefly in religious journalism, academic theology, and institutional statements. Its close relatives include "ecumenical," the corresponding adjective, and "ecumenism," the noun for the movement promoting church unity. Because of its resemblance to "economically," writers should take care to distinguish the two. To act ecumenically is, in essence, to treat the whole world as one household worth bringing together.
adverbIn a way that promotes or relates to unity among different Christian churches or, more broadly, among different religious groups; in a spirit of worldwide or universal fellowship.
- In a manner that fosters unity and cooperation among different Christian denominations (the dominant sense).
- More broadly, in a manner that promotes unity, cooperation, or inclusiveness across different religions or groups generally.
"The two denominations worked ecumenically for decades before formally merging their ministries."
"The seminary trains its students to minister ecumenically, encouraging collaboration with clergy of other traditions."
"In a more secular register, the committee approached the housing crisis ecumenically, welcoming input from every sector of the community."
The word traces back to the Greek oikoumenē — literally 'the whole inhabited world' — so to act ecumenically is, at root, to act as if the whole world were one household.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of ecumenically
"Ecumenically" is built on "ecumenical," which comes from the Greek oikoumenē (gē), meaning "the inhabited world," from oikein, "to inhabit," related to oikos, "house." In early Christian usage the term described the universal church, as in the "ecumenical councils." The modern sense of fostering unity among Christian denominations developed in the 19th and 20th centuries alongside the ecumenical movement. Cognates and derivatives from the same Greek root include "ecumenism" and "ecumenical."
Related word forms
How ecumenically is actually used
Formal in register, appearing mostly in religious, academic, and journalistic writing about church relations. The broader, non-religious sense ('in an all-embracing way') exists but is considerably rarer and may strike some readers as stretched; the Christian-unity sense is always understood. The stress falls on the third syllable: ek-yoo-MEN-ik-lee.
Easily confused with ecumenically
'Economically' relates to economics or financial matters, while 'ecumenically' relates to unity among churches or religions — the words look and sound similar but are entirely unrelated in meaning.