What does it mean when the Apostles’ Creed affirms, “I believe in… the holy catholic Church?” The word Catholic, when not capitalized, means “universal.” It is not referring to the Roman Catholic Church
Ecclesia
The real misunderstanding is in the word Church, which is capitalized. The Greek word is Ecclesia, literally meaning “the called out ones.” So when I say “I believe in the holy catholic Church,” I mean that I believe in the “holy universal called out ones.”
Now what does that mean? It means that I believe that there exists a spiritual organism, created by God and not men, that includes the whole community of Christians everywhere and throughout all time
It’s important to realize that the Ecclesia is not an institution or organization, but all people everywhere who have put their faith in Christ. The Ecclesia is the whole body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:27 Eph. 4:12).
I don’t believe that the Episcopal Church is the Ecclesia, but rather that many of its members are a part of the Ecclesia. The Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church are also not the Ecclesia, but many of its members are part of the Ecclesia.
Ecumenical
Why do I consider myself an ecumenical hermit? “Ecumenical” is derived from the Greek word “oikoumene” which literally means “the whole inhabited world.” In Christianity, it refers to the recognition of the unity of all Christians, and therefore seeks to promotes the cooperation and unity among all Christians.
I am ecumenical because I believe that all Christian, everywhere and in every organization, are part of the Ecclesia. Therefore I read and quote from Roman Catholic authors, Eastern Orthodox authors, and Protestant authors. I learn from all, but cling to none but Christ Himself.
This does not mean that all denominations are equal and that there should be absolute unity. I think that would be disastrous. We need different perspectives and ways of practice. Diversity is a good thing, not a bad thing.
