Ecumenism, Soviet-Dissident Style

Abstract

While a good deal of research has focused on religious ecumenical movements in Western societies, far less attention has been devoted to ecumenism in non-Western contexts. Whereas religious groups in the West are generally free to pursue cooperation with other religious bodies, those operating in more repressive contexts face an additional challenge. In officially atheistic polities, the state plays an important role in shaping the character of ecumenical pursuits. The present study examines the impact of the Soviet state on independent efforts by religious bodies to build an ecumenical base. Our findings suggest that in atheistic societies the state operates as an ambivalent force affecting, in both negative and positive directions, the coalescence of ecumenically minded believers. We conclude with some cross-national observations on ecumenical formations.