Ecumenism

Ecumenism is the task of working toward Christian unity. Since the beginning of the Church's ministry, divisions and disagreements have come up among Christians that threaten and seriously wound the visible unity of the pilgrim Church.We are all called to engage in ecumenism. Schisms are the greatest wounds to unity, being the most tragic. It involves entire communities of people who choose to separate themselves from Christ and his Church. In the history of the Church, there have been two main periods of schism. The Great Schism, creating the Eastern Orthodox Churches and the Protestant Reformation. The Church has defined some principles for engaging in ecumenical work. First, each of us is called to greater conversion of the heart. Divisions are brought about because of sin, but the cultivation of virtue and holiness gives us unity in life and moves us toward greater Christian unity with others. Schisms are caused by misunderstandings and false interpretations. To find common ground we must spread the truth, that salvation comes through the Church.