Polish ecumenism as a movement towards unity in diversity

Abstract

Since the beginning of Christianity, the consequences of the separations (regarding doctrine and tradition) have been permanent and painful. Twenty years before the Roman Catholic Church was officially involved in the ecumenical activity, the Polish Ecumenical Council, which includes the Churches of Protestant and Old Catholic tradition and the Orthodox Church, had already been working. The Roman Catholic Church entered the ecumenical path during the Second Vatican Council and since that time, together with all Churches and Ecclesial Communities, has been fulfilling the will of Christ “that they may all be one.” Polish ecumenism is performed in three fields: spiritual, scientific (doctrinal) and practical. It has become not merely “the sign of the times,” but it is seen as a duty and responsibility in the face of God and His saving plan. It is the duty and responsibility of those who through Baptism became Christ’s Body and His new people. The multitude and variety of Christian communities is simultaneously the multitude and variety of the professed content of faith. Polish ecumenists, seeking for the full unity which is still absent, take part in the process which leads towards unity in diversity.