Definition

Proper noun: - An ecumenical organization of Protestant and Eastern churches: The World Council of Churches is a global fellowship of Christian churches. Its primary purpose is to foster unity, dialogue, and cooperative action among its member churches on matters of faith, religious practice, and shared societal concerns.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The World Council of Churches issued a statement calling for peace and reconciliation in the region.
  • Our church is a member of the World Council of Churches and participates in its ecumenical dialogues.
  • A major assembly of the World Council of Churches will be held next year.

Advanced Usage

• "WCC": This is the common acronym for the World Council of Churches, frequently used in formal and informal contexts.
  • The WCC's central committee met to discuss the upcoming program.

Variants and Related Words

• Ecumenical (adj): Relating to or representing the whole Christian world; promoting unity among different Christian churches or religions.
  • The ecumenical movement seeks greater Christian cooperation.
• Ecumenism (n): The principle or aim of promoting unity among the world's Christian churches.
  • His life's work was dedicated to the cause of ecumenism.

Synonyms

• Ecumenical council: A formal assembly of church leaders to discuss doctrine and practice (though this is a broader term, the WCC functions as a modern, ongoing ecumenical body).
• Christian fellowship: A broad term for cooperative association among Christian groups.

Related Phrases

• Member church: A church that is part of the World Council of Churches.
  • Over 350 churches are member churches of the WCC.
• Ecumenical dialogue: Formal conversations between different Christian traditions to understand differences and seek common ground.
  • The WCC facilitates ecumenical dialogue between Protestant and Orthodox theologians.

Noun

1. an ecumenical organization of Protestant and eastern churches; intended to promote unity and cooperation in religious and secular matters