Background

The ecumenical movement is a grace of God, given by the Father in answer to the prayer of Jesus and supplication of the Church, and inspired by the Holy Spirit. While the movement is carried out within the general mission of the Church to unite humanity in Christ, its own specific field is the restoration of unity among Christians. Those who are baptized in the name of Christ are, by that very fact, called to commit themselves to the search for unity…To live our baptism is to be caught up in Christ's mission of making all things one. (Directory for The Application of the Principles and Norms of Ecumenism, pp.22, March 25, 1993)

In the light of the economy of salvation, the Church sees no conflict between proclaiming Christ and engaging in interreligious dialogue. Instead, she feels the need to link the two in the context of her mission ad gentes. ( Redemptoris Missio 55 , Dec. 7, 1990)

Mission Statement:

Compelled by the desire of Jesus Christ "that all may be one" (John 17:21), and encouraged by the spirit of Vatican II, this Office promotes unity and reconciliation among Christian Churches and better understanding of other faiths and ecclesial communities throughout the Archdiocese, through prayer, education, dialogue, and communal activities.

Objectives:

"Enlightened by faith, and guided by love", we labour to accomplish the above mission through the following:

• To grow in the knowledge of our own Catholic faith and tradition;
• To grow in the knowledge of, and appreciate those cooperative ecumenical efforts that already exist within the Archdiocese;
• To pray for Christian Unity among the churches, and to foster awareness of, and cooperate in building Christian Unity where it does not yet exist;
• To encourage and support opportunities that lead to ecumenical education and formation;
• To encourage shared communication and cooperation on common issues between our Office and other organizations and commissions mandated to serve all the people of God;
• To establish and maintain a network of ecumenical and interfaith contacts;
• To foster good relationships between Christians and people of other faiths through prayer, education, dialogue and social action.

The Office offers resources and support to parishes and all groups in the Archdiocese of Edmonton by:

• Promoting awareness of and encouraging prayer for Christian Unity;
• Providing opportunities and support for ecumenical and interfaith activities that foster prayer, education, dialogue and social action;
• Providing resources and contacts throughout the Archdiocese questions or concerns relating to other churches and faith communities.

Upcoming Events