The movement among Christians promoting Christian unity, as everyone knows, is the ecumenical movement. It is the Church’s attempt to practice what Our Lord prayed for on the night before he died for us.

The desire for Christian unity—which is the real spark behind the ecumenical movement—originates in the heart of Christ. And Jesus’ fervent desire is expressed clearly in the prayer he uttered at the Last Supper.

Unity, especially among Christians, was a theme of the papacy of John XXIII. He wanted to change the long-standing attitude of Catholic triumphalism that stood in the way of better relations with other denominations.

The 20th century saw the rise of the ecumenical movement as Christians began to show interest in breaking down the historic barriers between the Churches. The movement that emerged made some real gains, thanks to a new spirit on both sides of the wall separating Protestants, Orthodox and Catholics.