The Post-Ecumenical Era

“How easily the word ‘ecumenical’ falls from our lips now, and yet hozu much more in the sphere of action the movement has achieved than in the area of formulation and statement. The practical situation has dragged theory along with it. Community, these days, comes before theology. … But the very principle of inclusiveness which the ecumenical movement has so valiantly upheld promises by the year 2000 to be the standard by which it shall have been found wanting. For why should one stop with Christian unity? Is not the logical next step a post-‘ecumenical’ era of interreligious community? Ecumenism—defined in terms of Christianity alone—is about to become old-fashioned, and in three decades it will seem downright reactionary.”