What does ecumenism mean?
Ecumenism is the principle or movement dedicated to fostering unity among the world's Christian churches, encouraging them to cooperate, dialogue, and work toward overcoming centuries of division. The term derives from the Greek oikoumene, meaning 'the whole inhabited world,' and entered widespread English usage in the twentieth century alongside the modern ecumenical movement, which produced bodies such as the World Council of Churches. In its broadest sense, ecumenism can extend beyond Christianity to describe interreligious understanding generally, though its core meaning remains specifically Christian. The word carries a positive connotation of reconciliation and open-mindedness, standing opposed to sectarianism and schism. It appears chiefly in formal contexts — theology, church governance, and serious journalism — often in phrases such as 'the spirit of ecumenism.' Related forms include the widely used adjective 'ecumenical' and the nouns 'ecumenist' and 'ecumenicist,' denoting those who champion the cause.
The principle or aim of promoting unity among the world's Christian churches.
"Pope John Paul II was widely admired for his commitment to ecumenism."
Sometimes extended to interreligious dialogue more generally, but the primary sense is specifically Christian.
A movement or attitude promoting worldwide cooperation among religions or cultures.
"The conference embraced a wider ecumenism that welcomed voices from many faith traditions."
Rarely used in the plural; the word is normally uncountable, referring to a principle or movement as a whole. A plural may occasionally appear in academic writing to denote distinct varieties or historical instances of the movement.
"Historians distinguish several ecumenisms across the twentieth century, each shaped by different political circumstances."
The word comes from the Greek 'oikoumene' — 'the whole inhabited world' — so ecumenism literally means making the whole world one household.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of ecumenism
Ecumenism derives from the Greek oikoumenē (gē), meaning 'the inhabited world,' a feminine participle of oikein, 'to inhabit,' itself related to oikos, 'house.' The word passed through Late Latin oecumenicus into European languages, with English 'ecumenical' attested by the late sixteenth to early seventeenth century. The noun 'ecumenism' emerged in the early twentieth century as the modern church-unity movement gained momentum, particularly around the founding of the World Council of Churches in 1948. Cognates include French œcuménisme and German Ökumenismus.
Related word forms
How ecumenism is actually used
Formal register, used mainly in religious, academic, and journalistic writing. Capitalized ('the Ecumenical Movement') when referring to the specific historical movement of the 20th century. The adjective 'ecumenical' is far more common in everyday use than the noun itself.
Easily confused with ecumenism
'Ecumenism' concerns Christian church unity, while 'economics' is the study of production and wealth — they differ entirely in meaning despite a superficial sound resemblance.