Why Study Ecumenism

Why Ecumenism?

A multitude of voices, coming from all Christian traditions, speak to the desperate need for unity and union among the people of God.

It is best to let the voices speak for themselves:

His Holiness Pope John Paul II:
“The commitment to ecumenism is of primary importance for the Christian. [...] Jesus prayed at the Last Supper for the unity of his Disciples, with heartfelt intensity: 'as you, Father are in me, and I in you, I pray that they may be [one] in us, that the world may believe that you sent me' (Jn 17:21)”

Father John Meyendorff, Orthodox intellectual and former Dean of St. Vladimir's Theological Seminary (1926-1992):
"Why then participate [in ecumenism]? The answer to this question is simple: the mission of the Church requires it. As Orthodox we have no right to ignore the world around us; this world requires our presence and our voice wherever it can be heard, precisely because our message is unique and because the Church is the guardian of a universal Truth.” (Picture: old.svots.edu)

Dietrich Bonhoeffoer (1906-1945):
“Who will call us to peace so that the world will hear, will have to hear, so that all peoples may rejoice...? Only the one great ecumenical council of the holy church of Christ over all the world can speak out so that the world, though it gnash its, teeth, will have to hear...” (Picture: frenzeysbuecherbord.de)

C.S. Lewis:
“Divisions between Christians are a sin and a scandal, and Christians ought at all times to be making contributions towards re-union, if it is only by their prayers.”

(Picture: forjoy.wordpress.com)

Why Study Ecumenism?

Though the impulse toward ecumenism is strong, visions of both its means and its ends are divergent. Is the goal of ecumenism a deep appreciation of diversity? Cooperation on causes of social justice? Full doctrinal agreement? Eucharistic openness, with or without doctrinal agreement?

Accordingly, should ecumenism be pursued primarily through theological discourse and debate, joint prayer, or joint social action?

Furthermore, many Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant theologians and believers stand in principled opposition to ecumenism. What are the reasons for this opposition? How can they be engaged, and what legitimate concerns must be addressed by those with an ecumenical disposition?

The study of ecumenism – a new, emerging field – is essential for an informed awareness of what ecumenism does, can, and should mean to Christians all over the globe. Such awareness is of unquestionable value to anyone who seeks to engage seriously, and professionally, with the pursuit of Christian co-operation and unity.

Why This Program?

We welcome you to the first distance-learning Master's program in ecumenical studies. Programs in ecumenism exist at several universities, including our own (the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv). However, ours is the first concerted effort to use distance learning to bring together, through reading and discourse, students and teachers interested in ecumenism from around the world. Our program is compatible with the European Credit Transfer System.

We offer a rigorous and comprehensive course of reading and writing on Christian theology, the many Christian traditions, ecumenical history, and current ecumenical issues, guided by noted ecumenists and teachers from all over the world. We offer the opportunity to write a Master's thesis under the guidance of an authority in the area of ecumenism. Finally, we enable you to meet, discuss, and debate with students around the world who share your intellectual and practical concern with the all-important issue of Christian unity – to work together, through the very process of education, towards that critical goal.