Ecumenism: Toward a Clearer Perspective"

The word "ecumenism" is a charged word, conjuring strong feelings and stirring the emotions of Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Perhaps fear of the word "ecumenism" stems from so many who misuse and misunderstand the term. Should Catholics be wary of ecumenism? Is the word ecumenism nothing more than the adopted battlecry for those who seek to legitimize their own personal reasons to merge with other faiths? Is the word ecumenism just a nifty word used as a façade by those who really mean to threaten the Catholic Church-a threat equivalent to a heresy, apostasy, or schism? Or, is the word ecumenism a word to be welcomed by Catholics? The Catechism of the Catholic Church cites "spiritual ecumenism", the "ecumenical movement", and "ecumenical formation", and outlines (in paragraphs 817-822) that "Christ always gives his Church the gift of unity, but the Church must always pray and work to maintain, reinforce, and perfect the unity that Christ wills for her...The desire to recover the unity of all Christians isa gift of Christ and a call of the Holy Spirit." So, certainly, a faithful Catholic would respond adequately to this call to unity, and work toward ecumenism.

In short, just what exactly is ecumenism? What is the duty of a Catholic to embrace or reject ecumenism?

By: Mike Olson - AOTM Senior Debate Moderator
Brought to you by Argument of the Month.

Join Mr. David Deaval and Micheal Matt (Editor of The Remnant) for their debate on Ecumenism