As we continue to explore the implications of the Lund Principle for our Christian Churches in Birr, material will be published here to help with our understanding of what it is and how it might be worked out in our parish and faith communities.
The following is an excerpt from  the World Council of Churches website accessed on 23 January 2016. Click on the link for the full article. www.oikoumene.org

Our vision of the ecumenical movement

“Let us do together what we can do together.
What we think we cannot do together – together let us find the way to do it together.”1

We envision a new ecumenical movement characterised by a renewed commitment of churches and ecumenical organisations. Being ecumenical belongs to the very essence of being Church, and is not just an issue of external relations. New understanding of the role of the ecumenical movement will emanate from a “new” understanding of the mission of the Church as an inclusive community caring for life, not only for Christians, but for all people of God, for creation, for the whole “oikoumene“. The 21st century will see churches sharing in the eucharistic fellowship, praying and acting together for a reconciled and healed “oikoumene” in visible unity. The ecumenical movement of the 21st century must provide a safe space for honest and respectful dialogue that is devoid of “cosy ecumenism” but fosters a loving relationship among partners with trust, mutual accountability and lasting commitment as key values.

We dream of an ecumenical movement where young people, with all their talents and skills, take an active part and leadership in all its dimensions. The ecumenical movement bears witness to the inclusive nature of the Church as the body of Christ. In its diversity lies its full strength and richness. The ecumenical movement of the 21st century needs to be owned by all churches and ecumenical organisations. Embracing diversity is essential for the sustainability of the ecumenical movement as a movement of the people where the people set the agenda.

“My bread is a material issue. My neighbour’s bread is deeply spiritual.”2

How we deal with money is a spiritual matter. In the spirit of caring, love and justice, ecumenism will entail giving no less than we are able to give. We envision that ecumenical organisations and churches will work together for justice on the basis of their common faith, rooted in the Bible, and will transform unjust structures. Sharing of material and non-material resources, of gifts, stories and capacities but also of burdens and duties will reflect our unity in Christ. Money should serve decisions – not buy decisions.

The ecumenical movement is called to offer an alternative to globalisation. Churches and ecumenical organisations need to think “oikoumenically” and act locally. A vision of “oikoumenisation“, as opposed to globalisation, will strive for global community in full respect of the diversity of its members.

The ecumenical movement, as a movement deeply rooted in the realities and traditions of our churches and ecumenical organisations, needs to be a movement of all people, not just a clique of “ecumeniacs“. This requires a “mainstreaming” of ecumenical formation through sharing of wisdom and knowledge, education and ongoing formation for people of all ages and ranks.

The 21st century needs cohesion and transparency in the cooperation of strong ecumenical groups and bodies on local, national, regional and global levels. Considering the complexity of many of the issues the world is facing, the ecumenical movement needs to connect the prophetic voice of the Church with the voices of peoples’ organisations and movements struggling for the same objectives.

Our vision is that churches in the ecumenical movement of the 21st century will view people of other faiths as being part of God’s household. The daily dialogue of life offers a basis for peaceful and constructive relationships and cooperation.