The ecumenical movement

The term ecumenical is of Greek origin meaning universal, as does the term catholic. The idea of ecumenicalism has been around ever since Martin Luther and the catholic protestant divide. It is reported to have begun proper during the 1930’s. In recent times it has occasionally been associated with megachurches, particularly in the colonies. In South Africa, there was a trend of a white south African ritually washing the feet of indigenous members of the congregation. This symbolism didn’t really take off.
Ecumenicalism, in the mind of a lot of people, equates to multi-denominational services in the interest of friendship. This is not the case anymore.
On 13th October John Henry Newman will be declared a saint by Pope Francis. Newman (1801-1890) was a prominent figure in a movement which was instigated by the hierarchy of the church of England. It developed into Anglo-catholicism.
Edward Bouverie Pusey (1800-1882) who was educated at Eton, was another prominent figure. He worked in Japan and, according to reports, was imprisoned following the nuclear attack on Hiroshima.
Newman was a church of England priest who some believe infiltrated the Catholic church. He was reported to have joined the Jesuits. The Jesuits have been the subject of controversy. In 1590, Pope Sixtus V wanted to exclude Jesus from the official name of the society. Although Jesuits agreed, Sixtus died unexpectedly before his wish could be carried out. The society was suppressed in 1814 by Pope Pius VII but is said to have taken off in all areas since.