Ecumenism is defined as: a movement within Christianity that aims to restore unity amongst the various Christian denominations, to present a united universal Christian body to the world.

Ecumenism is derived from the Greek term oikoumene, which was used 15 times in the New Testament (Matthew 24:14; Luke 2:1; 4:5; 21:26; Acts 11:28; 17:6, 31; 19:27; 24:5; Romans 10:18; Hebrews 1:6; 2:5; Revelation 3:10; 12:9; 16:14). In every instance of usage, the term meant either the inhabited earth or the inhabitants of the world. Therefore, any effort or undertaking that would cover in its scope the whole world or all the inhabitants of the world could be described as ecumenical in nature.
 

Related Content:

• When is "ecumenism" right?
• When is "ecumenism" wrong?
• What do you know about Christian World Communions?
• Which church has been at the forefront of the ecumenical movement?