1. Ecumenical Movement
Year 12 SOR

2. What is Ecumenism? Fostering unity amongst all Christian denominations
Goals – peace, social justice, harmony and tolerance amongst individuals.
Opposite of sectarianism

3. Historical Development...
Commenced in 1948 with the World Council of Churches (WCC), but this was mainly Protestants and Orthodox
Didn’t grow until post Vatican II (1965+) when Catholics became involved

4. Profile: Uniting Church
3rd largest Christian denomination
Merger of Methodists, Presbyterians and Congregationalists.
Began in 1977
Promote – “bear witness to that unity which is both Christ’s gift and will for the Church”

5. Examples..... NNCA (National Council of Churches in Australia)
NSW Ecumenical Council

6. NCCA Previously known as ‘Australian Council of Churches ‘
Formed in 1994
Comprised of 15 Christian churches that work together on a variety of initiatives
Eg. Christian World Service: aid those suffering from injustice and poverty.
Eg. Youth Service for Reconciliation: work with Indigenous youth in crisis

7. NSW Ecumenical Council
Began in 1982
17 Churches in ACT and NSW
Initiatives –
Reflect upon theology together
Implement local initiatives
Address key social justice issues in the community
Educate the community

8. “.....As churches together we are committed to a journey of peace and reconciliation for ourselves and our world, rediscovering our unity in the love of Christ in order that God's love and healing may be known to all. Being together enables us to know God more deeply, to express a common voice on issues of concern in society, and to work together on specific projects concerning the churches and the needs of the wider community.”

9. Examples.... Make Indigenous Poverty History
House of Welcome – provides support and services to asylum seekers living in the community without work rights or support services.

10. MULTI-FAITH DIALOGUE

11. What is Inter-faith dialogue?
Discussions between groups of different religious traditions to foster mutual understanding.
Fosters a ‘common ground’
Goal – unity, peace, tolerance and promote social justice amongst different communities.

12. Why is it so important?? Promote respect for cultural diversity
Eliminate prejudice and conflict between religions
eg. Stereotyping and prejudice towards Muslims
Build relationships and support each other.

13. Development of this movement...
1989 – 5th World Conference on Religion and Peace increased inter-faith dialogue significantly.
1996 – Pope John Paul II held an interfaith prayer service
2000 – Interfaith Appeal for Peace: against religious violence in Indonesia
2002 – started annual Bali bombing commemoration

14. Examples....
Australian Council of Christians & Jews – Holocaust education
Affinity Intercultural Foundation – increase awareness of Muslims in the community, promoting interaction with those of other faiths.
Federation of Ethnic Communities of Councils of Australia (FECCA) – bring women of different religious traditions together to promote harmony, understanding and respect.