That All May Be One: Ecumenism in the Czech Republic and in Europe by Nad?je Mandysová

Ecumenism is a movement that encourages Christians to unite across denominational lines, and offers cooperation and understanding. It is the fundamental mission of the church that all may be one (John 17:21).

A Question of History
The world ecumenical movement dates back more than 100 years. In Europe, ecumenism began earlier—because of a much longer history, it was needed more in Europe than elsewhere. Divesity was more pronounced and religious relationships were more complicated than in North America. The Middle Ages, in particular, were difficult from the religious point of view, and crises and difficult struggles were common. We may see some of the consequences even today, especially in the Czech Republic. It is hard to imagine that one would understand Czech religions, their relationships—and, therefore, ecumenism—without having knowledge of Czech history.

One should study the history of individual religions using detailed historical sources compiled by every religion. It is a pity that the study and compilation of the history of religions has not yet been conducted using an ecumenical approach. Efforts to do so have surfaced and still exist; however, they have not led to a completed product. Even former Pope John Paul II pointed out this need. The canonization of Jan Sarkandr in the 1990s, who had been a martyr according to the Roman Catholic Church, and a persecutor of Protestants, according to non-Catholic religions, was a detonator for conflict between religions, precisely due to incomplete knowledge of the history of religions, or if you like, due to differing interpretations.

Learn more about Ecumenism in the Czech Republic and in Europe by reading the full text of this article in the March/April 2009 issue of Horizons.

Call (866) 802-3635 or subscribe to Horizons or order the March/April 2009 issue (HZN-09-210; $4 plus shipping).

Nadeje Mandysová is a member of Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren and former general secretary of Ecumenical Council of Churches in the Czech Republic.

Photo by Laura Lee, PW Art Director
(Hana Slavickova opened the meeting between the Ecumenical Czech Christian Women Forum and the participants of the Global Exchange with a devotion)

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Learn more about Ecumenism in the Czech Republic and in Europe by reading the full text of this article in the March/April 2009 issue of Horizons. Call (866) 802-3635 or subscribe to Horizons or order the March/April 2009 issue (HZN-09-210; $4 plus shipping).	That All May Be One: Ecumenism in the Czech Republic and in Europe by Nadeje Mandysová Ecumenism is a movement that encourages Christians to unite across denominational lines, and offers cooperation and understanding. It is the fundamental mission of the church that all may be one (John 17:21). A Question of History The world ecumenical movement dates back more than 100 years. In Europe, ecumenism began earlier—because of a much longer history, it was needed more in Europe than elsewhere. Divesity was more pronounced and religious relationships were more complicated than in North America. The Middle Ages, in particular, were difficult from the religious point of view, and crises and difficult struggles were common. We may see some of the consequences even today, especially in the Czech Republic. It is hard to imagine that one would understand Czech religions, their relationships—and, therefore, ecumenism—without having knowledge of Czech history. One should study the history of individual religions using detailed historical sources compiled by every religion. It is a pity that the study and compilation of the history of religions has not yet been conducted using an ecumenical approach. Efforts to do so have surfaced and still exist; however, they have not led to a completed product. Even former Pope John Paul II pointed out this need. The canonization of Jan Sarkandr in the 1990s, who had been a martyr according to the Roman Catholic Church, and a persecutor of Protestants, according to non-Catholic religions, was a detonator for conflict between religions, precisely due to incomplete knowledge of the history of religions, or if you like, due to differing interpretations. Learn more about Ecumenism in the Czech Republic and in Europe by reading the full text of this article in the March/April 2009 issue of Horizons. Call (866) 802-3635 or subscribe to Horizons or order the March/April 2009 issue (HZN-09-210; $4 plus shipping). Nadeje Mandysová is a member of Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren and former general secretary of Ecumenical Council of Churches in the Czech Republic. Photo by Laura Lee, PW Art Director (Hana Slavickova opened the meeting between the Ecumenical Czech Christian Women Forum and the participants of the Global Exchange with a devotion) Other Articles Online This Issue Presbyterian Mission in Europe The Roma That All May be One Moscow Protestant Chaplaincy List of 2008 Global Exchange Participants Installation Service for Presbyterian Women Joined and Knitted Together in Love Strengthening the PC(USA)	Current Issue MAR/APR 2009 About This Issue Contents FREE Resource How to Use In Our Next Issue to Horizons or call (866) 802-3635 the March/April 2009 issue, HZN-09-210 ($4 plus shipping/handling)

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