Ecumenism is something that has always been of particular interest to me. I have always found the different ways we find ecumenical collaboration within the church interesting. Recently, I went to an ecumenical service, and it was notable the similarities between denominations, as it was also notable the differences.
In terms of similarities, the different representatives (often yes, the ministers) from the denominations emphasized our commonalities, and diminished our differences. This I felt reflected our strengths (our commonalities), but also our weakness of not standing firm in our diversity. I think with noting our similarities and differences there is a profound opportunity to acknowledge and allow conversation about our respective denominations.
The main difference I noted between denominations was respect. Some denominations were not respectful of other clergy, but more importantly there were many that were not respectful of different theologies and held that their theology was the “one true theology”. Coming from a tradition that is fairly respectful, and being at a public ecumenical event that did not make space for my theology (I don’t believe I have a ‘Mansion in Heaven’) was disheartening. As the ecumenical movement continues these are two areas that I forsee as important to ongoing collaboration: acknowledgement of our differences, and respect for all those differences, whether they are theologies, practices, or worship leaders.
While this recent experience was disheartening for me, I think it emphasizes very much the requirements of ongoing ecumenical work and why this continues to be so important over a hundred years after the first ecumenical initiative.