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Glite Dictionary
ecumenism

ecumenism

3 8.9
Effort to make different Christian churches and sometimes other religions work together
  • noun
  • /ˌɛkjuˈmɛnɪzəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : ecumenismo
  • The decree 'On Ecumenism' shows in what way Catholic Christians share in the world-wide ecumenical movement.
  • decree on ecumenism
  • commitment to ecumenism
  • ecumenism and interreligious

Examples

  • An additional twelve policy papers included topics such as ecumenism and its relationship to other religious communities.

    Academic text (2014)

  • At that time, the Orthodox proposed a way they described as "ecumenism in space."

    Academic text (2011)

  • In the end, there was strong support for the Decree on Ecumenism.

    Academic text (2013)

  • By its very nature, ecumenism must be concerned with preserving Christian orthodoxy and passing it on.

    Academic text (1991)

  • Religious dialogue has expanded from ecumenism (inter- and intra-Christian work) to interreligious, intercultural, and interideological forms of dialogue.

    Academic text (2015)

  • The church organized a conference to discuss ecumenism and promote dialogue between different faiths.

  • Many religious leaders believe that ecumenism is essential for fostering understanding among various denominations.

  • The principles of ecumenism encourage collaboration and mutual respect among Christian churches.

Synonyms

ecumenicism
vsecumenism
  • Specialized
9.9

An effort to make different Christian churches work together and understand each other

includes unity and cooperation beyond Christian denominations to other religions
ecumenicalism
vsecumenism
  • Specialized
9.9

A belief in different Christian churches working together to become one

is framed as a general principle rather than active advocacy
ecumenics
vsecumenism
  • Specialized
9.9

Study of different Christian churches working together

focuses on the principle or aim rather than academic study

How Inclusive

ecumenism
  • Specialized
3 8.9
openness
35 3.9
tolerance
160 3.7
sectarianism
3 9.6

Surface Forms

ecumenism singular
ecumenisms plural

Morphology

ecumenism = ecumenical (semi-transparent) = ecumen + ism

Formed by a regular derivation from 'ecumenical' + '-ism', but the root 'ecumen-' is a rare/technical combining form unfamiliar to many learners.

Etymology

Ecumenism comes from the Greek word oikoumenē, which meant 'the inhabited world', and is linked to the Greek root oikos for 'house', a root you see in words like ecology and economy. So ecumenism is about trying to bring churches or religious groups together across the whole 'world', promoting unity and cooperation.