Religious+Expression+in+Australia+Post+1945+-+FAQs+Marian


 * [[image:services27.jpg width="300" height="306" caption="The ways in which the NCCA and the NSWEC aim to achieve their mission of ecumenism"]]

Describe the impact of Christian ecumenical movements in Australia, particularly in relation to: - The National Council of Churches - The NSW Ecumenical Council**

Ecumenism refers to co-operation between the various Christian denominations. Ecumenical movements, such as the National Council of Churches of Australia (NCCA) and the NSW Ecumenical Council (NSWEC), seek to overcome the differences between the different Christian denominations so that, united, they can work together to reach common goals, such as reconciliation.

The National Council of Churches of Australia and the NSW Ecumenical Council work in collaboration with each other and the ecumenical organisations of other Australian states in order to promote ecumenism between its seventeen member churches, including the Anglican, Orthodox, Lutheran, Catholic and Methodist churches. Both of these organisations facilitate inter-denominational dialogue in the form of National Forums held by the NCCA and theological reflections held by the NSWEC in order to explore theological and ecclesiological issues and have led to growth together, towards convergence, in greater understanding. This greater understanding has led to the Christian churches working together through local initiatives, particularly in the form of social justice work and particularly in regard to educating local communities about ecumenism. Co-operation between the churches has led to more funds and resurces being available for cotribution to initaitives such as the recent NCCA Haiti Earthquake Appeal and new infrastructure and campaigns to address issues in society, such as social injustice through the Social Justice Network. By working together, the Churches display an image of unity and solidarity which they hope will draw more people to Christianity as a whole.