A council of churches - whether national, world, or local - should not be confused with the Church or identified with the goal of the ecumenical movement. Councils are instruments with a view toward visible unity, which is the goal to be reached. The distinction is important because authentic ecumenism aims at enabling Christians to be one in full communion in the faith and sacraments, not simply in their acting together.
At the request of the Episcopal Church's Executive Council, the Standing Commission on Ecumenical Relations conducted a major study of this Church's participation in the National Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches (Blue Book, 1988, p. 45). The study report was approved by the 1988 General Convention and its recommendations implemented. The National Council of Churches has undergone major restructure in recent years. The World Council of Churches has likewise undergone a major reorganization.
At the request of the Episcopal Church's Executive Council, the Standing Commission on Ecumenical Relations conducted a major study of this Church's participation in the National Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches (Blue Book, 1988, p. 45). The study report was approved by the 1988 General Convention and its recommendations implemented. The National Council of Churches has undergone major restructure in recent years. The World Council of Churches has likewise undergone a major reorganization.