The biblical answer to ecumenism is Presbyterianism. Ecumenism is a forced unity of disparate bits. As this is becoming more apparent, there is a greater demand for conformity under the episcopal system with Rome at its top. This has been mooted in Scotland several times over the past four decades, and there is a new initiative at present by a group called Scottish Churches
8 ‘Prayer breakfasts’ seem to be in vogue. Not only did Lord Mackay of Clashfern, the Lord Chancellor, host one of these, but the Grand Master of the Orange Order, the Rev. Martin Smyth, chaired a prayer breakfast in Armagh on 2nd October 1995 which included Roman Catholic Cardinal Cahal Daly and a number of ‘evangelicals’ such as Lord Tonypandy, former speaker of the House of Commons, and Sir Fred Catherwood.
9 Decree on Ecumenism. Para 23. For moral ecumenism, see The Free Presbyterian Magazine Vol 100, Sep 1995, pp.281-2.
10 Decree of Ecumenism. Para 9.
11 Decree of Ecumenism. Para 21
Initiative for Union. This group includes the Church of Scotland, the Scottish Congregational Church, the United Reformed Church, the Methodist Synod in Scotland, and the Scottish Episcopal Church. “
On the other hand, after the Reformation there was much discussion on the doctrine of the Church. Presbyterianism was viewed as the biblical answer to the unity of the Christian church, and Presbyterianism has proved to be a powerful force in the Christian world. Its strength has been weakened by the ecumenical movement.