The ecumene of values

Zygfryd Paweł Glaeser

Uniwersytet Opolski, Wydział Teologiczny
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8791-0175

Abstract

The fundamental value on which ecumenism rests and to which leads is faith in the Triune God based on the inheritance of the Gospel. Human efforts, initiatives, and programs are significant here. It must be admitted, however, that they are often imperfect and therefore not very useful in achieving the intended goal. The Second Vatican Council made ecumenism one of the fundamental evangelizing paradigms of the Church. The gift of unity is not only a static property of ecclesiastical structures. It lies in the power of opening the Church to humanity and the removal of barriers that divide people and Churches. Deepening the Council's teaching on ecumenism and its integrative social role, John Paul II stated that ecumenism is „the imperative of a Christian conscience enlightened by faith and guided by love” (UUS 8). The value of ecumene has different faces. It does not refer only to strictly church activities, although these are at the centre of its interest. It has its explicit references to integration processes in general. In the Polish and European context, the contribution of the Churches to the processes of reconciliation with neighbouring nations and states is significant: Germans, Ukrainians, and Russians. Ecumenism teaches above all that developing unity between states, nations, cultures, and churches, and between individuals must begin with destroying the walls that for many years have grown up in people's minds and human hearts. It is necessary to rebuild interpersonal bonds based on trust and mutual respect. A particular task belongs to the churches, to Christians and religious communities in general, but also educational institutions, science, and culture.

Keywords:

ecumenism, ecumene of values, integration, reconciliation, Church, Christianity