'''''Ecumenism''''' is, principally, dialogue between Christian denominations groups aimed at promoting the restoration of unity among all Christians through understanding, through mutual respect and toleration, and through practical cooperation in areas of common concern, such as care for the poor, sick, and needy.

Orthodox Christians take widely different attitudes toward ecumenismwere engaged in the foundation of the ecumenical movement from its inception. A few embrace The primary basis for the Orthodox role in the ecumenical movement was a statement issued by the Anglican Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in 1920 entitled "branch theoryUnto All the Churches of Christ Wheresoever They Be." which implies that A number of Orthodox churches were present at the various divisions in Christianity all represent branches initial founding conference of the same Church just as World Council of Churches, and most have continued to participate in the branches of a tree are all integrally part life of the same living tree. Many object to this theory on the ground that it tends to minimize OrthodoxyWCC, reducing its stature as exclusively the one holy catholic well as in national and apostolic Church to that of a relatively small segment regional councils of the Churchchurches.

Some regard ecumenism as an opportunity to present Orthodoxy as Orthodox Christians have criticized participation in the ecumenical movement. They believe that ecumenical witness represents a unique witness concession to the ancient Christian faith and to "Branch Theory," which suggests that the various divisions in Christianity all represent branches of the same Church just as the indivisible body branches of a tree are all integrally part of Christthe same living tree. Others feel that ecumenism necessarily undermines this witness and feel that Under such a model, Orthodoxy will would be forced to alter traditional practices defined not as exclusively the [[One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church|one, holy, catholic, and even apostolic Church]], but rather as a relatively small segment of the very content Church: one denomination among many. (However, this understanding of ecumenism is not supported by the ancient apostolic faithagreements which define ecumenical structure, most notably the [[Toronto Declaration]]. )

In the Twentieth Century particularly, some ecumenical activities have drawn sharp criticism from various voices within the Orthodox Church, particularly participation in the [[World Council of Churches]] and , in the United States, the [[National Council of Churches]] of Christ in the USUSA. Those opposing ecumenism are often self-labelled as ''Traditionalists'' and may be either within or outside mainstream Orthodoxy, particularly within the [[Old Calendarist]] movements, who often regard the [[New Calendar]] as being a symptom of "branch theory" ecumenism.

*[http://www.scoba.us/resourcesassets/documentsfiles/guide_for_orthodox.pdf Ecumenical Guidelines for SCOBA]* [http://www.scoba.us/resources/sacorthodox-catholic/baptism-economysacramentaleconomy.asp html Baptism and "sacramental economy": An agreed statement of the North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation] - Saint Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary, Crestwood, New York - June 3, 1999* [http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/ecumenism/ Orthodox Information Center: Ecumenism Awareness]*[http://uncutmountain.com/index.php/uncut/pages/ecumenism_origins_expectations_disenchantment_table_of_contents/ Ecumenism: Origins - Expectations - Disenchantment], September 2004 Conference on Ecumenism, held at Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece**[http://uncutmountain.com/uncut/docs/Conclusions_of_the_Conference_on_Ecumenism.pdf Conclusions of the Conference on Ecumenism]**[http://uncutmountain.com/uncut/docs/bpartemy_soc.pdf The Church of Serbia vis-à-vis Ecumenism], by Bishop Artemije of Raska and Prizren**[http://uncutmountain.com/uncut/docs/fralexios_contours.pdf Contours of Conversion and the Ecumenical Movement], by Hieromonk Alexis (Trader) of Karakallou**[http://www.orthodoxytoday.org/articles4/ReevesEcumenicism.shtml The Consequences of Orthodox Participation in the Ecumenical Movement on the Orthodox Witness to the Heterodox West], by Fr. John Reeves**[http://uncutmountain.com/uncut/docs/heers_baptism.pdf The Mystery of Baptism and the Unity of the Church], by Fr. Peter A. Heers* [http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/ecumenism/Heers-TheMissionaryRootsofModernEcumenism.pdf The Missionary Origins of Modern Ecumenism] by Fr. Peter A. Heers* [http://www.oca.org/QA.asp?ID=27&SID=3 Orthodox Christianity and The "Branch Theory"]. OCA - Q & A.* [http://cjshayward.com/ecumenism/ An Open Letter to Catholics on Orthodoxy and Ecumenism, by C.J.S. Hayward]* [http://www.incommunion.org/articles/essays/orthodoxy-ecumenism In Communion: Orthodoxy & Ecumenism]* [http://incommunion.org/articles/ecumenical-movement/ In Communion: Ecumenical Movement], resources on the Orthodox Church and the Ecumenical Movement* [http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/ecumenism/ Orthodox Information Center: Ecumenism Awareness]* [http://www.oca.org/QA.asp?ID=188&SID=3 OCA Q&A: Ecumenism and Church Leaders]* [http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/documents/assembly/porto-alegre-2006/4-messages-other-statements-sermons/pre-assemblies/17-02-05-report-of-the-orthodox-pre-assembly-meeting.html Report of the Orthodox Pre-Assembly Meeting (WCC), Rhodes, January 10-17, 2005]* [http://sites.google.com/site/orthodoxresistance/ Resistance to Ecumenism in the Orthodox Church]

===Ecumenical organizations=== *[http://www.wcc-coe.org/ World Council of Churches] *[http://www.ncccusa.org National Council of Churches] *[http://www.christianchurchestogether.org Christian Churches Together]*[Categoryhttp://www.churchworldservice.org Church Life]World Service] [[Category:HeresiesChurch Life]]