Ecumenical movement Flashcards
(26 cards)
What is the etymology of ecumenical
Comes from greek oikumene-meaning the whole world
What is the most cited biblical passage for the ecumenical movement
John 17-All those who beleive in me “They may all be one”-recognises success of the church is predicated on unity
What is an example in christianity of unity but not uniformity
The 4 gospels all discuss and interpret different parrts of Jesus’ life differently
What was the start of the modern ecumenical movement and what slogan did they adopt
1910 edinburgh missionary conference
Doctrine Divides but Service Unites
What are the pros and cons of the edinburgh missionary conference
Breakthorugh in ecumenism-different denominations willing to meet and discuss and cooperate
However, mostly an evangelical protestant meetup by anglo american missionaries-though some speakers encouraged for other denominations to be included
Avoiding of doctrinal discussions seen as a limitation-unity can only go so far without this.
In what year was the international missionary conference founded
1921-modeled after the very successful league of nations
In what year was a proposal to create a world council of churches put forward and why was this postponed
1937-ww2
What year was the first assembly of the world council of churches and where
1948 Amsterdam
What is the WCC not
A superchurch
Does not negotiate unions between churches
Not based on one model of church
Membership does not mean the wcc treats that churches own opinions as relative
Membership does not imply acceptance of a specific doctrine
What is the WCC
A group for the common recognition that Christ is the divine head of the Body of the church-and this fosters inter-church conversation and cooperation
What does the WCC do
General assembly every 7 years, with a central committee running continously
Aims for-under the pursuit of visible unity
a common confession of faith
Common sacramental life
Mutual recognition of members and their ministries
Common service to the world
What did the WCC do in 1961
Expanded its definition to reference christian scriptures and the trinity-fulfill common calling to the glory of the trinity
Fully integrated the international missionary council
First roman catholic official observance
first of the orthodox and pentecostal memberships
What 3 areas does the WCC work
1) Unity, mission and ecumenical relations
2)Public Witness and Diakonia
3)Ecumenical Formation
What does the WCC do for Unity, Mission and Ecumenical relations
It is the pursuit of visible Christian unity-
Can come in the form of fostering solidarity and respect-e.g. fighting against social justice, poverty and oppression
Can come with working with non wcc Churches and building relationships
the Commision of Faith and Order, an organisation absorbed by the wcc. produces commisions on agreements and disagreements of doctrine
What does the WCC do for Public Witness and Diakonia
The Life and Work program, absorbed by the WCC, offer a “voice” for areas the church needs to pay special attention to-korea, syria, sudan, DRC and sends observers to israel palestine
Bring Christians together-Diakonia means Service-charity, and activites around helping others e.g. water, healthcare, equality hiv/aids etc
What does the WCC do for Ecumenical Formation
Its the study of training , knowledge and education in the ways of the ecumenical church
WCC has a facility near geneva with teaching facilities-offers training and formal education phds, undergrads etc
What was the reaction of the RCC to the Ecumenical movement
1920s-did not react positively-Pius XI said all christians need to return to the church of rome-forbid members attending wcc in 48
1960-first time archbishop of canterbury met pope in 600 years-Allowed WCC observation for 1961 meeting
What is the Unitatis Redintegratio and why is it important
Second vatican council document
Softens outlook on non catholicss-describes them as seperated brethren and moves away from the classification of catholocisim as the one true church=
Also acknowledges both sides have responsibility for the schism
How many bodies are there in the WCC
348
What is the ratio of churches in WCC to total worshippers for the orthodox churches
20-1/2 of Worshippers-leads to tension
What sources of general tension are there in the WCC for orthodox members
Since ‘91 theyve been suspicious of western influence
Uncomfortable with the style of worship
Dislike the “LIBERAL” attitude e.g. towards women
‘97 Georgian orthodox church quit
In 1981 ARCIC released a report saying what about anglicans and catholics
They were in agreement in a lot of matters and cooperation and integration may be possible
What is ARCIC
Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission
What threatens ARCIC(points of disagreement between anglican and catholic teachings)
Ordination of Women as priests
Ordination of homosexuals
Ordinatnion of women as bishops
Catholics setting up a structure in 2009 for the conversion of anglican clergy
