The Ecumenical Movement and the Challenge of Roman Catholicism

Abstract

This paper which employed the historical-theological methodology, intended to investigate the relationship between the Roman Catholic Church and the Ecumenical Movement, and the role Roman Catholicism has played in the Ecumenical Movement since its inception. It was observed in the study that the Roman Catholic Church’s relationship and role to the Ecumenical Movement has been determined by two-time epochs: Before Vatican II (1962-1965), and after Vatican II. Before Vatican II, Roman Catholicism was critical of the Ecumenical Movement and sought to distance itself from it. However, after Vatican II (1962-1965), Roman Catholicism changed her strategy in relating to the Ecumenical Movement, and not her position. She redefines ecumenism as a return of the separated churches to her, and goes a step further to amalgamate all world religions. This actually poses a threat to the Ecumenical Movement since it can lead to Roman Catholic supremacy and dominance of the movement. It also has the potential of threatening religious freedom leading to theological compromises.