Ecumenical Missiology: Its Emergence, Historical Development and Contemporary Issues

Unity is not a marginal or optional concern for the Church. It constitutes the central mystery of all being and of all existences. It is the mystery of all being, because it is the mystery of God’s own being as Three in One (1 John 5: 7). And Christ’s great high priestly prayer is that all may be one on the pattern of the Father’s unity with the Son (John 17:21). The word 'ecumenical movement' is virtually treated as one word but it may not be out of place if there is a separate explanation of the words 'ecumenical' and 'movement'. We will begin with the explanation of the word 'movement.' ‘Movement’ is a popular word that conveys a continued activity, vision, transformation and progress. It is not a biblical or a theological term. A movement is a conglomeration of individuals within the larger whole who for a specific; objective and goal are motivated to bring about transformation in the larger whole. Members share the same concerns and espouse a common ideology.

JAYARAJ Jebastian is presently working as an Assistant Professor in English at Don Bosco College (Affiliated to Periyar University, Salem), Sogathur, Dharmapuri – 636 809, Tamil Nadu, South India. He has been a highly influential academic figure throughout his career in Tamil Nadu.