Ecumenism

It is absolutely clear that ecumenism... is not just some sort of "appendix" which is added to the Church's traditional activity. Rather, [it] must pervade all that she is.

Change of heart and holiness of life, along with public and private prayer for the unity of Christians, should be regarded as the soul of the whole ecumenical movement... This love finds its most complete expression in common prayer... Fellowship in prayer leads people to look at the Church and Christianity in a new way.

Pope John Paul II

The Fellowship is ecumenical—what does that mean?

The word "ecumenism" means "to inhabit one house." For the Fellowship, in practice, this simply means members are Catholic, Evangelical, Protestant and Orthodox.

One exciting aspect of ecumenism is that Jesus promises the experience of his presence in worship when we agree in unity (Matt 18:19). Like little kids before the Father, the Fellowship enjoys many answers to prayers as a result of being one heart in God, such as the charismatic manifestations of the Spirit (visions, tongues, prophecy, healing, etc.) which serve to directly refresh and enrich our relationship with Christ.

When history's greatest ecumenist began to undergo his passion, he prayed his followers would be united: "Father... may they be one as we are one: I in them and you in me... to let the world know that you sent me.” (John 17:21-23).

Thus, ecumenism begins with the honest recognition that today the Body of Christ is torn.

As a Christian, I am very much aware that our divisions grieve the Holy Spirit and hold back the work of Christ.

C.S. Lewis

Accordingly, the most influential leaders in Christianity echo Christ's plea. (E.g., "What unites us is much greater than what divides us". Pope John XXIII.) See Ecumenical Agreement.

This does not imply that differences are unimportant ("false ecumenism"), but are secondary to the large, common core of Christianity, which makes us brothers and sisters in Christ—and neighbors in the New Jerusalem.

World travel and getting to know clergy of all denominations has helped mold me into an ecumenical being.

Billy Graham

It also does not mean that individuals should compromise their denominational beliefs, but rather, like the U.S. and Britain in World War II, we form a strategic alliance against a mutual enemy.

Resolving theology must be left to the theologians and church leaders. And those leaders repeatedly encourage us to pray together and participate in environments such as the Fellowship where we can worship in common and work to build the Kingdom.

The key is to experience Christ in one another.

I am strength in the midst of My people. I will always show Myself mighty in a prayerful community of believers.

If only you knew the power of your intercession, how it destroys the powers of darkness, for this is My gift, Heaven sent, an instrument of power I have entrusted to each of you. There is nothing I won’t do when My people pray, for you join with the Heavenly hosts in trampling the plans of hell.

My will has its way wherever it is exalted and presented amidst the earthly realms. Know there is nothing, absolutely nothing I won’t do in the prayers of the faithful. Let go in your trust of Me and let Me into that situation that calls for My power.