Introduction to the Conference: Ecumenism and Asceticism

Abstract

precis:The fruits of the ecumenical movement often are harvested without thinking about who planted the seeds, who watered the soil, and what ingredients are necessary to make the ground rich for ecumenical gleaning. The result: no "move" in the movement! The ecumenical impulse is not fruitful unless it is conscious, intentional, habitual, and embodied. This essay draws on insights from the study document of the Joint Working Group's Ninth Report, "Be Renewed in the Spirit: The Spiritual Roots of Ecumenism," exploring the relationship between and among interiority, intentionality, and action. It considers practices of prayer and formation that nurture these qualities of spirituality and how they enable the aim of the ecumenical movement to promote Christian unity for the sake of the world.