Growing in understanding Certain issues today such as abortion, the Eucharist, the nature of authority and ministry clearly divide, but precisely because they divide, they should be key items on the ecumenical agenda. Whatever separates Christian churches from one another, whether it be doctrinal or cultural, deserves serious consideration as part of the ecumenical agenda. The ecumenical mission is advanced only if we confront our differences in open and honest, even tense and frustrating, dialogue. Dialogue does not mean a compromise or sacrifice of truth. It means, rather, the opportunity to grow in understanding the truth, and to grow in love despite disagreements about the truth.
Dialogue is a means to reconciliation.
Dialogues between Christians and people of other faiths The Massachusetts Council of Churches encourages dialogue not only among Christians and their churches, but also between Christians and people of other faiths. Massachusetts Council of Churches.