The Significance of Bond-based Attachments for Ecumenical Approachment

Cultural differences between Christian denominations, or even among members of one and the same denomination, are able to undermine their ecumenical efforts, to foster differences and tensions, instead of overcoming them. An example in this respect is the hostility with which some of the Orthodox met the Document on Ecumenism of the 2016 Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox in Crete. Why is it so? There are several ways to explain these developments. We try to find an explanation in early bondings, as understood through different attachment theories. We do this by asking three questions: Which is the general importance of bondings? Which is their significance for the Christian understanding of a person? Can they be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage during the ecumenical becoming of a certain confessional identity?