Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • adjective Of worldwide scope or applicability; universal.
  • adjective Of or relating to the worldwide Christian church.
  • adjective Concerned with establishing or promoting unity among churches or religions.

from The Century Dictionary.

  • General; universal; specifically, belonging to the entire Christian church.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • adjective concerned with promoting unity among churches or religions
  • adjective of worldwide scope or applicability

Etymologies

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition

[From Late Latin oecūmenicus, from Greek oikoumenikos, from (hē) oikoumenē (gē), (the) inhabited (world), feminine present passive participle of oikein, to inhabit, from oikos, house; see weik- in Indo-European roots.]

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

From ecumenic +‎ -al. 

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Examples

  • It is not my use of the term ecumenical - I already admitted that I only used that term out of pure orneryness.

    sbcIMPACT life :: theology :: church :: ministry :: missions :: worship 2009

  • I think most people expect that Mr. Obama will be viewed in ecumenical circles as the most genuine, faithful candidate in the race.

    Obama meets with religious leaders behind closed doors 2008

  • A number of the principles have roots in ecumenical agreements that date back more than 50 years, noted Dr. Kinnamon, a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) minister and professor at Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Mo.

    The Rev. Chuck Currie: 2004

  • A number of the principles have roots in ecumenical agreements that date back more than 50 years, noted Dr. Kinnamon, a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) minister and professor at Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Mo.

    Ecumenical "Christian Principles in an Election Year" Offer Criteria for Judging Candidates 2004

  • A number of the principles have roots in ecumenical agreements that date back more than 50 years, noted Dr. Kinnamon, a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) minister and professor at Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Mo.

    Ecumenical "Christian Principles in an Election Year" Offer Criteria for Judging Candidates 2004

  • For a whole generation he has also been a leading figure in ecumenical work.

    The Nobel Peace Prize 1946 - Presentation Speech 1946

  • For decades, the two churches have held theological discussions on trying to reunite, part of the Vatican's broader, long-term ecumenical effort to unify all Christians who have separated from Rome over the centuries.

    WBAY Action 2 News 2010

  • For decades, the two churches have held theological discussions on trying to reunite, part of the Vatican's broader, long-term ecumenical effort to unify all Christians who have separated from Rome over the centuries.

    StarTribune.com rss feed 2010

  • For decades, the two churches have held theological discussions on trying to reunite, part of the Vatican's broader, long-term ecumenical effort to unify all Christians who have separated from Rome over the centuries.

    CourierPostOnline.com - News 2010

  • Pointing to the image of Christ crucified with his arms stretched out, he called the ecumenical body to take on that same "inclusive" image, embracing everybody and sharing God's gifts with all.

    Clerical Whispers Sotto Voce 2010

Comments

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  • A Good Thing when you can get other religions to admit that they've got it wrong and yours has got it right.

    January 21, 2008

  • "That would be an ecumenical matter!" - Father Jack.

    January 22, 2008

  • This word always reminds me of an old joke:

    A Catholic priest and a Protestant minister were in a heated theological argument. After a lull, one (take your pick) said, "Well, we must remember that we worship the same God."

    "Yes," said the other. "You in your way, I in His."

    January 22, 2008

  • cute :)

    January 22, 2008

  • From David Eddings, referring to a character named Silk,

    "Silk's depredations were broadly ecumenical".

    January 23, 2008

  • Father Jack used this word in an episode of "Father Ted" when they were being visited by some of their priest friends.

    June 10, 2012