among christian Churches
Ecumenism. A difficult journey,
yet guided by the Holy Spirit
who after centuries of division, urges the Churches to be reconciled
and to give the world, wounded by conflicts,
the witness of Christian unity.
In the climate of fraternity that is growing among Christians,
the need for spirituality is growing, a fitting way to speed up the progress to full visible communion.
It is the Holy Spirit himself who in these times
Has brought to life in the different Churches
New charisms, new spiritual currents
Through movements, communities, associations, groups,
to renew Christian Life.
One of the specific contributions that the Focolare Movement makes to the cause of ecumenism is at the level of Spirituality, with a “dialogue of life” and “dialogue of the people”.
An ecumenical spirituality
Among Christians there is a new awareness that we are called to live the commandment that Jesus calls “his” and “new”: “love one another as I have loved you”, and so contribute to the fulfilment of the Testament of Jesus: “That all may be one” (Cf Jn 17:2).
A dialogue of life, a “dialogue of the people”
The spirituality of unity, lived in daily life, breaks down centuries of prejudice, and brings about a “dialogue of life”.
As Chiara Lubich said at the World Council of Churches, “Through that dialogue we already feel like a family: from different churches, we feel ourselves to be one Christian people, involving laity, ministers, and bishops, even though full and visible unity between our churches has yet to be achieved. This is not a dialogue that contrasts with or stands alongside the dialogue between the leaders of the Churches, but one in which all Christians can take part.
This Christian people is a leaven in the ecumenical movement. It is our hope that the other forms of dialogue, like that of charity, of common service, of prayer, and of theology, may be strengthened by the “dialogue of life”. And further, we hope that a constant problem, the reception by the people of the official theological dialogues, can be solved by a people that is ecumenically prepared”.
A Centre for ecumenical dialogue
To coordinate the ecumenical activity of the Focolare Movement, “Centro Uno” was established in Rome in 1961. The director, until his death in 1980, was Iginio Giordani, a pioneer of Italian ecumenism. From 1961 until 1990 it was based in Rome at Piazza Navona. Since 1990 it has been at Grottaferrata (Roma).
“Centro Uno” coordinates ecumenical activities and initiatives of the Focolare Movement in the 182 countries where the movement is present, keeping contact with the those responsible for this work throughout the world.
Stories from life
Here are some experiences that describe typical moments of the “dialogue of life”
Contacts
“Centro Uno” for the unity of Christians
Via della Pedica, 44
00046 Grottaferrata (RM) IT
tel. +39-06-9411825
fax +39-06-9411758
email: centrouno@focolare.org
