Solidarity and Ecumenism.

This article illustrates ways in which the modern ecumenical movement promotes solidarity among formerly divided Christian churches through ecumenical dialogue. It begins by recalling divisions which took place in the fifth, the eleventh, and the sixteenth centuries, breaking down unity and solidarity among Christians, and continuing since those times. It then shows the way in which the modern Ecumenical Movement, working to restore Christian unity, began early in the twentieth century through movements promoting cooperation in mission, in efforts of the churches to better society, and in resolving doctrinal divisions which have kept churches separated. It later became established in the World Council of Churches and by activities such as official ecumenical dialogues by many Churches. It illustrates the latter by examples of two international bilateral dialogues and renewed relations, those between the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church, and also the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]