The Archdiocese of Detroit works to maintain cordial relations with fellow Christians and those of non-Christian religions in southeast Michigan. Through dialogue with representatives of these various communities, we seek to build relationships of mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation in areas of common cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
Go to Knowledge BaseEcumenism, from the Greek word “oikoumene,” meaning “the whole inhabited world,” is the promotion of cooperation and unity among Christians. We engage in ecumenical dialogue because of the belief that a divided Christianity is a scandal to the world and an impediment to the proclamation of the Gospel (cf. John 17:21; Ut Unum Sint 6).
Underlying the Catholic Church’s pursuit of ecumenism is its recognition that elements of sanctification and truth are found outside her visible structure (cf. Lumen Gentium 8 § 2).
"We also recognize that Catholics are not the only ones who are seeking to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in southeast Michigan. We honor and support the efforts of our brothers and sisters in other Christian communions to bear witness to Christ; Wherever possible we should work together with them to bring the light of Christ into our city and region, although without ceasing to proclaim the fullness of Catholic teaching.”
Archbishop Vigneron, Unleash the Gospel 3.2
Foundational Documents Relating to Ecumenical Dialogue
Ecumenical Documents and News Releases
- From the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
- From the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity
- Document Highlight: From Conflict to Communion: Lutheran-Catholic Common Commemoration of the Reformation in 2017
- Remarks of Archbishop Vigneron at the Commemoration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. Zion Lutheran Church, Ann Arbor, 28 October 2017.
- Homily of Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit at the Ecumenical Celebration of the Feast of St. Anne. Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Detroit, 24 June, 2018
Interfaith dialogue is the promotion of mutual understanding, respect and collaboration between Catholics and the followers of other religious traditions. We engage in interfaith dialogue because one the Catholic Church’s tasks is to foster closer bonds of love among people and nations (cf. Nostra Aetate 1).
Foundational Document Relating to Interfaith Dialogue
Interfaith Documents and News Releases - Catholic/Jewish Relations
- A Chronicle of Catholic-Jewish Dialogue from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
- Commission of the Holy See for Religious Relations with the Jews
- Archbishop Allen Vigneron Statement on the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue
- Remarks of Archbishop Allen Vigneron, “Shabbat of Solidarity,” Temple Shir-Shalom, November 3, 2018
Interfaith Documents and News Releases - Relations with Other Non-Christian Religions
