Ecumenism is not only the work of theologians, however important it
may be, but it is also the path of praying for each other, and working
together for those in need.
There is also the ecumenism of the blood
that the “enemy" teaches us in which there are no Catholics, Orthodox or
Protestants, but only Christians, said again Pope Francis before
today’s general audience during a meeting with the secretaries of
‘Christian World Communions’, an international organisation of 19
Christian Churches and communions with regular meetings.
"So many times,” Francis told them, “we think that ecumenical work is
only that of theologians. It is important for theologians to study, to
agree and express disagreements. This is very important, but, in the
meantime, ecumenism is done walking. I walk with Jesus, not with my
Jesus against your Jesus, but with our Jesus. The journey is simple: it
is done by praying and helping others. Praying together: the ecumenism
of praying for one another and everyone for unity. It is also the
ecumenism of working for so many in need, for many men and women who
today suffer injustices, wars . . . these terrible things. We must all
help together. Charity towards one’s neighbour. That is ecumenism. That
is already unity. Walking in unity with Jesus. "
"There is another ecumenism that we must recognise and which today is
so topical: the ecumenism of blood. When terrorists or world powers
persecute Christian minorities or Christians, when they do this, they do
not ask: ‘Are you are a Lutheran? Are you an orthodox? Are you a
Catholic? Are you a Reformed? Are you a Pentecostal?’ No. 'You are a
Christian'. They recognise only one: Christian. The enemy makes no
mistake; he knows to recognise where Jesus is. This is the ecumenism of
blood. Today we are witnesses to this. My thoughts go to the Coptic
Orthodox monks slaughtered on the beaches of Libya for example: they are
our brothers. They bore witness to Jesus and died saying, 'Jesus, help
me!'. With the name: they confessed the name of Jesus. Thus, the
ecumenism of prayer, the ecumenism of walking; and the enemy teaches us
the ecumenism of blood.”