Ecumenism is a term used to describe the movement towards unity among Christian groups. It can be understood as a vision, a movement, a theology, and a mode of action that represents the universality of Christianity, affecting the way Christians think about their faith, the church, and the world. The term ecumenism as it is commonly used refers to interdenominational cooperation between different Christian churches. The ultimate goal of ecumenism is the recognition of sacramental validity, eucharistic sharing, and the reaching of full communion between different Christian denominations.

The word ecumenism is derived from the Greek words oikoumenē (“the inhabited world”) and oikos (“house”) and can be traced from the commands, promises, and prayers of Jesus. After the International Missionary Conference held at Edinburgh in 1910, Protestants began to use the term ecumenism to describe the gathering of missionary, evangelistic, service, and unitive forces. During and after the Second Vatican Council (1962–65), Roman Catholics used ecumenism to refer to the renewal of the whole life of the church, undertaken to make it more responsive to “separated churches” and to the needs of the world.

While ecumenism refers to cooperation or efforts towards unity among Christian denominations, interfaith dialogue refers to developing relationships between different religions.

There is disagreement among American Christians about the value of Christian ecumenism. Some American Christians, especially those from independent churches, are deeply suspicious of the consolidation of power and dilution of theology they see represented by the ecumenical initiatives.

The Catholic Church takes part in an ecumenical movement seeking visible unity among the diversity of Christian Churches and ecclesial communities. The Church’s pursuit of ecumenism is another way of expressing her radical catholicity or universality. The Church recognizes that despite the separation, elements of the Church can exist outside the visible boundaries of the Catholic Church.

In conclusion, ecumenism is a movement towards unity among Christian groups. It represents the universality of Christianity and affects the way Christians think about their faith, the church, and the world. The ultimate goal of ecumenism is the recognition of sacramental validity, eucharistic sharing, and the reaching of full communion between different Christian denominations.