In the Focolare Movement, ecumenism and interreligious dialogue are born from a simple conviction: fraternity is built when different people meet, listen to each other and share life.
The commitment of the Focolare Movement to ecumenism and interreligious dialogue is not only theoretical, but when lived in its communities, it becomes a visible testimony of fraternity.
Walking together in ecumenism
The ecumenical experience of the Focolare Movement, which began in 1961, is based on the conviction that unity among Christians is possible by living the Gospel in everyday life, thus helping to fulfill the prayer of Jesus, known as his “testament” (Jn 17, 20-21).
At the local level, some Focolare communities - such as Madrid, Granada, Valladolid, Murcia or Almendralejo - actively participate in annual events during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, where Catholics, Evangelicals, Orthodox and Anglicans pray together, share the Word and sing together in choirs.
In Granada, for example, the Focolare Movement collaborates closely with the Diocesan Secretariat for Interconfessional Relations by visiting pastors. and creating networks that last throughout the year. In Madrid, the movement participates in the Ecumenical Pentecost Forum. They meet once a month for training, to stay up-to-date, to organize ecumenical prayers, to help with the week of prayer for Christian unity, and so on. This slow and steady work allows them to "break down walls of suspicion and indifference," as Margaret Karram, president of the Movement, points out, and replace them with relationships of sincere friendship.
As with ecumenism and dialogue with people of no religious conviction, the key to this approach is not abstract theological debate, but shared life. It's about creating spaces where people of different faiths can meet, break down prejudices, and work together on common projects.
Both Pope Francis and Pope Leo have repeatedly emphasized that interreligious dialogue is an essential path for the Catholic Church and for world peace.
In Spain, the Focolare Movement demonstrates this through its participation in various religious diversity forums, its collaboration, primarily with Islamic and Jewish associations, on solidarity initiatives, and its promotion of a culture of encounter that recognizes the dignity of every person regardless of their religious affiliation. This dialogue is taking place in several cities in Aragon, Catalonia, Murcia, Valencia, and the Basque Country, among other regions.
