Ecumenism and our City

My Dear Friends:

“Ecumenism" refers to efforts by Christians of different Church traditions to develop closer relationships and better understandings. It is also often used to refer to efforts towards the visible and organic unity of different Christian denominations.

Derived from the Greek words oikoumenē (“the inhabited world”) and oikos (“house”) and can be traced from many of the commands, promises, and prayers of Jesus; not just this one which seems a direct reference to our unity as God’s children: (Jn 17:24-26) “The glory which you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them, and you in me, that they may become perfectly  one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” Therefore, it is also scriptural for the Christian church to be united, to love its all.

We in Kolkata are fortunate. Our churches have always seen each other as parts of the same body and we have an ecumenical tradition that goes as far back as the British Raj, much before this concept as formalised with Unitatis redintegratio (Latin for "Restoration of unity") which is the Second Vatican Council's decree on ecumenism.

Today, this unity is strongly felt with mutual respect and collaboration on a number of concerns and the participation of our diverse flock for occasions such as the Easter Rally, the Christian Unity Octave, etc. We must expand these opportunities – and boost our Christian potential to influence, as Disciples of Christ, also to serve together.

As our nation – indeed much of the world - experiences divisiveness characteristic of this age, it becomes more important for us Christians to stand together as one, come closer and unite on many levels – and become a beacon of hope and justice to our fellow citizens of all other beliefs.

Although different denominations have differing practices and beliefs, ecumenism seeks to remind Christians of the things that unite and bind them. Our harmony is vitally important not just for the growth of Christianity, but for inspiring our communities – indeed, our countrymen – to concern, to peace, to justice and to truth. And they will know we are Christians by our love.