Over the centuries, the one Christian Church underwent a series of splits and schisms, the most important of which were the split that created the Eastern Orthodox and the Roman Catholic churches and the separation of Protestant faiths from the Catholic Church during the Reformation. The Catholic Church has recently acknowledged its own faults in creating these divisions, and it has taken on as one of its important missions the task of moving toward unity. The Decree on Ecumenism, passed by Vatican II, urges fellow Christians to have brotherly generosity toward one another.

Unity will be accomplished through prayer, discussion, and new understandings among the Christian churches. Almost all Christian churches are in fact participating in this movement toward ecumenism. The shared Gospel of Jesus Christ already unites Christians. In practice, they have come together in Christian charities, peace, and social justice movements to work toward a common cause. But there is still a long way to go toward a time when all Christians can share communion.

Ecumenical discussions over the last thirty years have led to many areas of agreement. The Eastern Orthodox churches are very similar to the Catholic Church in rites and liturgy, but they do not accept the authority of Rome. The Anglican or Episcopalian church is also close in its belief, sacraments, and Church structure, though it differs with the Catholic Church over ordination of women. The Catholic Church considers Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Methodist churches, which have bishops, Baptism, and the Eucharist, to be apostolic, though there are greater differences in belief and practice. The many and varied Protestant denominations are valued for their fidelity to the message of the Gospels.

Official dialogues among churches are taking place all over the world. Students for the ministry of various denominations study together, and theologians of different backgrounds compare insights. Where they disagree, the message of ecumenism is to keep talking. If unity is to be achieved, it will be a result of taking spiritual insight from many traditions. The Church has acknowledged that no single Church dogma can express the whole truth of Christianity.

Dialogue with Non-Christians

Respect and love must also be shown to non-Christians and their faiths. Those who serve one God, such as Muslims and Jews, have much in common with Christians. From Buddhism and Hinduism, Christians can learn techniques of meditation and other skills that will bring them closer to God. The institutional Church has official dialogues set up with leaders of these religions. It even has a mandate to talk with nonbelievers.

The Church has already identified areas in which it can work together with other faiths on issues of justice and peace. Even those without faith agree with some of the issues that concern the Catholic Church.