The goal of ecumenical work is to bring Christians into mutual fellowship towards the visible unity of the Church. According to the Bible Christian unity is both a gift and a calling.

The churches functions are witness and service. The work towards Christian unity is based on the prayer of Jesus Christ: “I pray that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” (John 17:21)

The word ecumenical is derived from the Greek term oikoumene, which may be translated as "the whole inhabited world". Being ecumenical means working towards a visible Christian unity as well as an attitude which emphasises and wishes for Christian unity.

Ecumenical movement is a joint movement of diverse Christians and Christian associations. It is a relatively young phenomenon in the history of Christianity. It emerged at the turn of the 20^th century and established itself as a significant inter-church communication channel after the World War II. The movement has also formed into various organizations. Ecumenism is activity in which churches and Christian organizations attend according to their own confessions.

History

FEC was established in 1917, when the Finnish Committee of the World Alliance Movement was founded. The World Alliance for Promoting International Fellowship through the Churches (WA) aimed at fostering peace work through inter-church friendship.

In 1933 the national committee was named the Oecumenical Council of Finland and in 1963 the name was changed into the Finnish Ecumenical Council.

Purpose and aim

FEC promotes Christian unity on the national as well as on the local level. The Council realizes these aims through its publications, programmes, meetings and assemblies.

The Council serves as a meeting point where a rich diversity of Christians can gather together for example for consultation and for common prayer.

The activities of the Council focus on ecumenical theology and dialogue, social-ethical issues, spirituality and common witness.

The aim of these activities is for the Churches and the Christians to grow stronger and deepen the unity which Jesus Christ himself prayed for.

Member Churches

Churches and Christian communities, which, according to the Bible, confess the Lord Jesus Christ as the God and the Saviour are welcomed as members of the Council. Due to this common testimony, these Churches and Christian communities are striving together to fulfil their common calling for the glory of one God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.