Abstract
The research component of this thesis was completed during 2019, fortuitously prior to the global pandemic COVID-19, at the archives of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Geneva. The thesis examines the importance of both ecumenism and ecology in the work of the WCC. More specifically, it considers an example of shifting concern within the WCC towards global ecology and creation care as seen in the WCC’s initiative, Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC). Two main arguments are offered. The first argument is primarily historical. It presents evidence that structural and ecclesial ecumenism at the WCC is in decline whilst interest in eco-theology and “saving the planet” is increasing. The second argument is more future focussed, and of necessity therefore more prospective and tentative. It suggests that even though traditional approaches to structural ecumenism now receive less attention in comparison to the past, and have to some extent been displaced by global ecology in Christian concern for the oikoumene, nonetheless the turn to global ecology might ultimately serve structural ecumenism in positive ways. In the future, eco-theology may become an important driver of church unity as originally prayed for by Jesus in John 17:23. Many Christians, particularly youth, seem to be less interested in the denominational label on their church door (if indeed they even go to traditional church), but they are embracing environmental activism empowered by faith and the new emphasis on God’s immanence. The future of ecclesial ecumenism may benefit significantly from new relationships which arise from collaborative partnerships within the churches for global ecology. Faith-based ecological concern and activism might thereby in future offer opportunities for improved ecumenical relations.