Ecumenical Formation in Theological Education: A Precondition for Ecumenical Encounter and a Tool for Ecumenical Reception

Abstract

For many decades, Christian churches have engaged in ecumenical dialogues addressing church-dividing issues and trying to overcome them. Many valuable texts have emerged from these dialogues, but they are hardly known in the churches. One reason for this is that “ecumenism” is rarely a topic in theological education. The article asks why this is so and argues for including ecumenical formation in theological studies. It highlights various initiatives that have pursued this goal and provides examples of cross-denominational theological education. Cultivating awareness and sensitivity among the younger generation of theologians towards ecumenical concerns is a precondition for promoting ecumenical encounter and applying the results of ecumenical dialogues to the life and the teaching of the churches.