Ecumenical refers to the “the whole inhabited world,” and expresses the desire that all Christians "may be one."
During the past century, much emphasis has been placed on reuniting all Christians. This is a difficult task, as Christians have splintered off in countless directions for the past thousand years.
Yet, there remains hope that each year will bring us closer to a unity that will endure.
Often the word "ecumenical" is used to describe any effort to reunite Christians.
What does it mean?
The USCCB offers a succinct definition on their website.
The Second Vatican Council offers a similar definition of this term in its Decree on Ecumenism.
Furthermore, the word is often tied to "ecumenical movements," which are explained in the same document.
The Church continues on this ecumenical journey and desires, as Christ desires, “That they may all be one.” (John 17:21)
