Is ecumenism biblical?
Ecumenism refers to the movement promoting unity and cooperation among different Christian denominations and churches. The key questions regarding ecumenism are: Does the Bible encourage or discourage ecumenism? Should churches seek to unite with one another? What are the benefits and concerns regarding ecumenism from a biblical perspective? This approximately 9,000 word article will explore what the Bible says about ecumenism.
Unity of the Church
The Bible places great emphasis on unity within the church. Jesus prayed for unity among believers:
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (John 17:20-21)
Paul also appeals to Christians to live in harmony:
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” (1 Corinthians 1:10)
The emphasis on unity is unsurprising, given that the church is described as one body with many parts (1 Cor 12:12). Unity was important to Jesus and the early church leaders.
Oneness in Christ
At the core of Christian unity is the belief that all true believers are united by their faith in Christ. Paul explains:
“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6)
Our oneness in Christ overcomes differences of ethnicity, social status, or gender:
“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:27-28)
Biblical unity is not merely organizational, but spiritual—all who are saved by grace through faith are part of Christ’s body.
Maintaining Unity
While Scripture emphasizes unity, it also recognizes divisions are inevitable. Paul writes:
“I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.” (Romans 16:17)
He further explains:
“There must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.” (1 Corinthians 11:19)
Although some divisions are inevitable, Christians are exhorted to maintain unity where possible. Ephesians 4:3 urges believers to be “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Unity within Diversity
The early church contained much diversity—Jews and Gentiles, slaves and free, men and women. They were united spiritually in Christ, despite differences. Biblical unity allows for diversity on secondary issues.
Paul explains this principle regarding eating meat sacrificed to idols, an issue over which believers disagreed. After declaring idols have no real existence (1 Cor 8:4), he writes:
“However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled…Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.” (1 Cor 8:7, 8:8, 8:9)
Although he affirms the freedom of those with correct knowledge to eat meat, he calls them to restrict their liberty out of concern for other believers. Biblically, unity in primary issues allows for diversity in secondary issues.
False Unity
While Scripture commends unity, it also warns against false unity around incorrect doctrine. Paul writes:
“I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.” (Romans 16:17-18)
The emphasis is on unity around true doctrine, not unity at the expense of doctrinal truth. Jude exhorts believers:
“Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 3)
Biblical unity must be grounded in sound doctrine, not minimizing differences.
Cooperation Between Churches
While Scripture emphasizes unity, it does not specifically address cooperation between different churches and denominations. However, based on broader biblical principles, a case can be made for limited cooperation where possible.
Jesus prayed for unity of all believers (John 17:20-21). Though imperfect, the modern church contains true followers of Christ across various groups. Cooperation and dialogue on issues of mutual concern can be enriching.
In missions, churches often pool resources and people to reach populations without access to the gospel. Unity for evangelism is wise stewardship. As Paul writes:
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth…For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.” (1 Corinthians 3:6, 9)
Cooperation need not undermine distinctive beliefs. Paul worked alongside Barnabas and Mark, despite sharp disagreement regarding Mark earlier (Acts 15:36-41). Unity in mission is possible amidst diversity in doctrine.
Biblical principles of freedom, tolerance, and love also allow for cooperation. Romans 14 instructs believers to accept one another on disputable matters. 1 Corinthians 8 and 10 encourage limiting liberty for the sake of others’ consciences. Ephesians 4 calls Christians to humility and patience with one another. While theological differences exist, churches can cooperate where consciences allow.
Concerns Regarding Ecumenism
While limited cooperation may be permissible, ecumenism also raises significant concerns if not approached carefully. Four major concerns emerge from Scripture.
First is the danger of doctrinal compromise. Efforts to unite churches often require minimizing differences. Jude exhorts believers to contend for sound doctrine delivered once for all (Jude 3). Unity not grounded in Scripture compromises theological truth.
Second, ecumenism can lead to spiritual complacency. Seeking organizational unity may hinder personal reformation. As Revelation warns several churches, Christ rebukes spiritual apathy, idolatry and heresy among believers (Rev 2-3). Unity must not preclude calling one another to faithful repentance.
Third, ecumenism can become too inwardly focused. Believers must beware excessive introspection and naval-gazing. The true mission is advancing the gospel to all peoples (Acts 1:8), not just better relations between existing churches. Unity is a means, not an end.
Fourth, pragmatism must not override biblical faithfulness. Cooperation can increase efficiency and resources, but churches must be led by scriptural principle, not business models. Unity must arise from common loyalty to Christ and His word, not merely organizational expediency.
Approaching Ecumenism Biblically
In summary, Scripture allows cautious openness to ecumenism, but significant concerns remain. How can churches approach ecumenism in a balanced, biblical way? Here are several suggestions:
First, affirm unity in primary doctrines like the Trinity, Genesis, the person and work of Christ, salvation by grace, and the authority of Scripture. Differences in secondary issues need not preclude cooperation.
Second, focus on unity at the local level first. Reconciliation between individuals and churches in one’s own community comes before national or international efforts.
Third, maintain a clear gospel witness first and foremost. Evangelism, discipleship, and global missions must be higher priorities than ecumenism.
Fourth, accept ecumenism as a means, not an end. It facilitates gospel advance and understanding, but should not distract from the Great Commission.
Fifth, avoid compromise of biblical truth and conscience. Cooperation must not require violating sincerely held doctrinal convictions.
Sixth, pursue humble attitudes over programs. Improving relations between churches requires repentance, prayer, and faith more than organizations.
Lastly, ensure Christ remains the center. He alone is Head of the Church universal and local (Col 1:18). Unity springs from common loyalty to Him over institutions.
With wisdom and balance, limited ecumenism has value. But it also has risks. For cooperation but not compromise, churches must keep their eyes fixed on Christ and His Word as they partner with other congregations in advancing the gospel to all peoples. Unity must serve gospel proclamation, not hinder it. Wise judgment requires following biblical principles, not just church politics or popular opinion. With sound teaching and much prayer, Christians can maintain visible unity where conscience allows while avoiding the pitfalls of artificial organizational unity. Our oneness is in Christ by His Spirit, not just structures. By God’s grace, the church can exhibit dynamic cooperation while standing firmly on the bedrock of biblical doctrine.