ECUMENISM

By José María Di Pardo

"Philadelphia" Testimony Congress. August 15 to 17, 1970, Argentina.

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CONSIDERING THAT:

1.                  Ecumenism, in the light of the Word of God, is conceptually, a syncretist conjunction, because its purpose is to amalgamate heterogeneous elements, which are contrary to the Holy Scriptures (Ezk. 22:26, compare Lev. 10: 1, 2, 10). This definition refers essentially to its doctrine (a philosophical‑theological mixture), which breeds and nourishes its action in all of its manifestations.

2.                  Modernism, Universalism, Pantheism and Syncretism, are combined and in evidence in all of its concrete expressions; and even though ecumenists refuse to be identified with such ideologies, nonetheless, they assume these principles in their actions.

3.                  Just as Modernism, "reinterprets" the Scriptures and Biblical doctrines to the point that they corrupt their genuine significance (example John 17:21 which they apply to an indiscriminate inclusivism of believers and unbelievers). This opens the door to Universalism, because by eliminating the Biblical lines of separation, it establishes such doctrines as "the universal Fatherhood of God" and "the universal brotherhood of man" violating clear teaching (John 1: 12, 13 compare John 8:44).

From Pantheism it has taken and incorporated into its doctrine and action the principle of assimilation (all in one which can be condensed into one expression: "Unity," which is deceit (Eph. 4:1‑16). As Syncretism is the indiscriminate opening which seeks "reconciliation," not only among the different branches called Christianity, but forces an opening toward exotic religions Buddhism, Hinduism, Mohammedanism, etc.) seeking to yoke together what the Bible prohibits (2 Cor. 6:14‑18).

4.                  The Ecumenical Movement in its "search for truth" is purely deceptive and fictitious, because while it invites faithful believers in the Inspired and Inerrant Bible to the "brotherly dialog," it makes room, on an equal footing for all the denials and blasphemies of those who attack and reject the Authority of the Word of God.

5.                  Modernist‑ecumenists, the inventors and leaders of the Ecumenical Movement, are characterized by a two‑fold attitude: while they are prolific in their unbelief and blasphemies (Barthism, "God is dead," "New Morality," etc.), they declare the "Movement" to be absolutely neutral to all doctrine and ideology, and, within the Movement, they simulate a licit seeking after the "truth". The "Movement" therefore appears to be what is an abstraction, what is holy; but in reality is an artfully composed trick, the pot into which all kinds of unholy and diabolical leavens are poured, which contain spiritual death (consider, as analogy: 2 Kings 4:38‑40).

The Scriptures are fulfilled when they say:

"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel: for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as ministers of righteousness, whose end shall be according to their works." (2 Cor. 11:13, 14, 15).

6.                  Finally, in reference to the manifestations of ecumenism through the means of their greater movements, World Council of Churches and Vatican Council, we recall some of the thoughts of the "PHILADELPHIA DECLARATION" of the 17th August 1966, in that we discern the coexistence of two different concepts:

a)      The World Council of Churches with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and its inclusivist, indiscriminate method‑ (Protestant liberals and Oriental Orthodox Churches on a fraternal equal footing, each learning from the other)‑, awaits the renewal which will permit the synthesis of a "new" Church, which no one at the present time can precisely determine.

b)      Rome, "per semper eadem" (always the same) with its presumption of being the Apostolic depository and with her untouchable dogmas, does not hide from the separated brethren the fact that they must return to the "aggiornata" paternal house, if they want to fully enjoy her favours ... (!)

THEREFORE WE DECLARE THAT:

a) Ecumenism in its philosophy, doctrine and manifestations, not only is not Biblical, but is absolutely ANTIBIBLICAL.

b) Not hearing in mind the legitimate etymological significance of the word "Ecumene" derived from the Greek "oikoumene" (inhabited earth), we consider the use of the expression "ecumenism" which determines the doctrine considered in these conclusions –as a word that will eat as doth a gangrene (compare 2 Tim. 2:17, 18, 19), because of its psychological purpose, which is apparently very desirable, but in its long range is really destructive of the fundamentals of the faith.

c) Whatever concrete results may ensue, as they proceed from heterogeneous mixtures, they will lack genuineness and will be an abnormal product which is identified in the Scriptures with Babylon the Great (Rev. 17). The voice of the Lord cries:

"COME OUT OF HER MY PEOPLE..." (Rev. 18:4).