Ecumenism is often misunderstood as an attempt to minimise theological differences or merge churches into a single institution or movement. In reality, ecumenism is a theological response to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Christians pursue unity because the gospel calls them into communion with God and with one another. Consequently, ecumenism is an essential dimension of the church’s identity and mission.
The gospel proclaims that through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God is reconciling the world to himself (2 Corinthians 5:18–20). This reconciliation extends beyond the forgiveness of individual sins to the restoration of broken relationships, creation of a new humanity, and the inauguration of God’s purpose “to unite all things in Christ” (Ephesians 1:10). The church exists as the visible community of those who have been reconciled to God and to one another.
Christians do not create unity through negotiation or compromise; rather, they are called to recognise, receive, and embody the unity that God has established through Christ and the Holy Spirit. Christian unity is a gift before it becomes a task.
This conviction is deeply rooted in the New Testament. Paul declares that there is “one body and one Spirit … one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all” (Ephesians 4:4–6). This unity already exists in Christ, and believers are urged to “make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).
The same relationship between unity and mission appears in the prayer of Jesus before his crucifixion. He prays “that they may all be one … so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21). Christian unity has a profoundly missionary purpose. A divided church weakens the credibility of its witness, while a reconciled church demonstrates the transforming power of the gospel it proclaims.
The church’s unity reflects the life of the Triune God. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in perfect communion while remaining distinct persons. Likewise, the church is called to embody unity without demanding uniformity. Diversity of traditions, liturgical practices, spiritualities, cultures, and forms of governance need not threaten communion. Instead, such diversity can enrich the one body of Christ centred upon the one Lord.
Ecumenism does not seek to erase denominational identities or suppress legitimate theological convictions. Rather, it seeks to overcome unnecessary division, deepen mutual recognition, foster shared discipleship, and strengthen common witness. Unity is not achieved by ignoring truth but by pursuing truth together in love.
Since the gospel of Jesus is a message of reconciliation, ecumenism also requires repentance. Christian divisions have arisen not only from genuine theological disagreement but also from pride, political rivalry, nationalism, cultural prejudice, and failures of charity. Every Christian tradition has reason to acknowledge its own shortcomings and to seek forgiveness where relationships have been damaged.
Ecumenism therefore calls churches to spiritual conversion as well as theological dialogue. Christians meet one another not as competitors seeking victory but as fellow disciples of Jesus seeking greater authenticity. Such dialogue requires humility, patience, attentive listening, and openness to the work of the Holy Spirit. As churches learn from one another, they discover that historical misunderstandings may be clarified without abandoning essential convictions.
The gospel also gives ecumenism its missionary character. The world continues to experience division through conflict, injustice, racial hostility, political polarisation, and religious suspicion. Against this background, the church is called to embody the reconciliation it proclaims. Unity is therefore itself a form of mission.
This insight has become increasingly central to modern ecumenical theology. The church participates in the mission of God by proclaiming the gospel but also by demonstrating its reconciling power through its common life. Churches that cooperate in evangelism, theological education, humanitarian service, peacebuilding, advocacy for justice, care for refugees, environmental stewardship, and public witness offer tangible signs of the coming kingdom of God.
At the same time, authentic ecumenism cannot be built upon theological indifference. Significant differences remain concerning doctrine, ministry, sacraments, ethics, and church order. Ecumenical dialogue therefore combines charity with honesty. It seeks deeper understanding rather than superficial agreement, trusting that truth is best pursued through respectful conversation, prayer, and mutual learning.
The New Testament looks forward to the day when people “from every nation, tribe, people and language” will worship together before the throne of God (Revelation 7:9). The church is called to anticipate that future in its present life. Every shared prayer, act of reconciliation, theological dialogue, and cooperative ministry is a sign of this coming kingdom.
Ecumenism is far more than pragmatic institutional cooperation. It is a faithful response to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Grounded in God’s reconciling work, reflecting the communion of the Triune God, and participating in the mission of God, it enables the church to bear a more credible witness to Jesus Christ in a divided world.
Rev Dr Rod Benson is General Secretary of the NSW Ecumenical Council and a minister of the Uniting Church in Australia serving at North Rocks Community Church in Sydney.
Image source: Carmelite.org.au
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