That All May Be One: A Reflection on Ecumenism
That All May Be One: A Reflection on Ecumenism
Introduction
I was talking with one of my friends who is married to a non-denominational Christian and there’s been a little bit of butting heads when it comes to talking about the Faith. As with anything that matters in life there are going to be disagreements with those who think differently than you, but it got me to thinking more about this topic. It was a moment that reminded me of both the beauty and the challenge of ecumenism—the call for unity among all Christians. Ecumenism can feel like a lofty theological concept, but in truth, it’s deeply rooted in Christ’s prayer for His followers: “That they may all be one” (John 17:21). As Catholics, we’re invited not just to believe in unity as an abstract idea, but to participate in the real work of building bridges across Christian divisions.
What Is Ecumenism?
Ecumenism refers to efforts among Christians—Catholics, Protestants, and Orthodox—to foster unity without compromising the truth. The Second Vatican Council’s Unitatis Redintegratio emphasized that while the Catholic Church believes it holds the fullness of truth, it also recognizes that elements of sanctification and truth exist outside its visible boundaries. Baptism, Sacred Scripture, and belief in Christ unite us in profound ways, even amid doctrinal differences. As Pope Benedict XVI once said: “Unity does not mean what we might call ecclesial uniformity, nor is it absorption of one into the other, but rather the integration of all in the one Body of Christ.” (General Audience, Jan. 20, 2010)
Why Ecumenism Matters
Jesus’ prayer in John’s Gospel is not just poetic—it’s deeply theological. He prays to the Father “that they may all be one... so that the world may believe” (John 17:21). Disunity among Christians is not just a sad reality—it’s a scandal that can hinder evangelization. If the Gospel is a message of love, mercy, and reconciliation, then divisions between Christians can seem like a contradiction of that very message. We even had a group of Christians outside the Churches on Christmas eve with bullhorns yelling at us saying that we’re going to hell for our beliefs. It makes a strong negative impression on anyone looking to Christianity for answers if all we have is infighting going on. Unity doesn't mean pretending differences don’t exist. Rather, it means pursuing honest dialogue, mutual respect, and shared prayer—all under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. St. John Paul II emphasized this beautifully in his encyclical Ut Unum Sint: “The way to unity is long and arduous... but we must not grow weary. What unites us is much greater than what divides us.” (Ut Unum Sint, 20)
What the Church Teaches
The Catholic Church’s commitment to ecumenism isn’t optional—it’s part of her identity. According to Lumen Gentium, the Church is called to be a “sacrament of unity.” This mission is rooted in love and truth. Real unity must be grounded in fidelity to Christ and the teachings of the Church, not a watered-down version of Christianity. Pope Francis often speaks of a “culture of encounter”—meeting others with openness, respect, and humility and that is where Ecumenism lives, in that spirit.
Practical Ways to Live Ecumenism
You don’t have to be a theologian or work at a parish to engage in this work. Here are a few simple ways we can live it out in our everyday lives:
Pray for Christian unity, especially during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January 18–25). Include it in your intentions at Mass or during the Rosary.
Participate in ecumenical events—community service projects, shared Bible studies, or interdenominational prayer gatherings.
Listen to Christians of other traditions. Ask questions, share your faith with charity, and seek common ground.
Learn more about the beliefs and practices of other Christian communities. It helps us understand where they’re coming from—and often gives us a deeper appreciation for our own Catholic faith.
My grandparents participate in a Euchre tournament they lovingly refer to as the Salvation Cup with several churches of different denominations hosting. The best way to get Midwesterners together is to host a night with cards, food and friends. It wasn’t about whose beliefs were right, it was about coming together, sharing in fellowship and raising money for local charities. Blessed Solanus Casey, a man known for his deep faith and pastoral gentleness, once said: “We must be faithful to the present moment or we will frustrate the plan of God for our lives.” Living ecumenism begins exactly there—in the present moment, in the relationships right in front of us.
Pitfalls to Avoid
In striving for unity, there are two extremes to watch out for: Firstly Indifference, the idea that unity doesn’t matter or that division is just a fact of life. This attitude goes against Christ’s prayer and wounds His Body, the Church. No one will want to listen to what you have to say if you aren’t willing to listen to them. On the flip side we must be careful to not compromise the Truth. Unity must not come at the expense of Catholic teaching. Dialogue is about honesty and charity—not pretending we all believe the same thing. As Pope Benedict XVI wisely warned: “Truth is not an imposition. Nor is it a system of ideas. It is the living Person of Christ... Only in this way can dialogue be fruitful.” (Address to the Roman Curia, Dec. 21, 2012)
Conclusion
Ecumenism is not always easy. It requires humility, patience, and trust in the slow work of the Holy Spirit. But it is also a source of hope—because unity is not just our goal, it’s God’s will. No matter how badly you want to bring someone to Christ, it’s about trusting in Him and letting him work on His time. My mom didn’t become Catholic until she was married to my dad for 17 years and my grandma joined the Church when she was 83 years old! It was such a proud day for me being her sponsor that day, but the most important thing for me and my family was we never pushed her. We lived our life in an authentic way and always looked for what we had in common with her faith. It is in our common ground that we can lead people to Christ and His truth. Let us continue to pray and work “that all may be one,” confident that Christ, who began this good work in us, will bring it to completion.
Yours in Christ,
Andrew (TheKurtlocker)
