I'm Christa Tippett.

Recent events have brought American, religious,

and racial divides into view,

especially among different kinds of Christians.

This hour, we'll explore the intriguing history

and present questions of Christian ecumenism.

Reverend Joan Brown Campbell was the first ordained woman

to become general secretary

of the National Council of Churches.

Bishop Thomas Hoyt Jr. is now serving

as the first African-American president of the council.

They shed light on America's multi-religious post-Gatrina present.

From American public media, this is speaking of faith,

public radio's conversation about belief, meaning, ethics, and ideas.

Today, living reconciliation to ecumenical pioneers.

Ecumenism is not a household word,

but my guess today suggests that the ecumenical movement

has always embodied and grappled

with the most vexing clashes of difference in our culture,

clashes that seem to recur in every generation.

The word ecumenism comes from the Greek word,

oikos, or house.

...