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It has become almost trite to say that the ecumenical movement must be `` carried down to the grass roots ''.

This way of describing the matter is unfortunate.

It implies two misconceptions.

One is that whatever is ecumenical has to do with some over-all organization at `` the top '' and needs only to be understood at the so-called `` lower levels ''.

The truth, however, is that the ecumenical church is just the local church in its own true character as an integral unit of the whole People of God throughout the world.

The other misconception is that our ecumenical problems will be solved if only the knowledge of the church in its world-wide extension and its interdenominational connections, now comprehended by many national leaders, can be communicated to all congregations.

However needed this may be, the fundamental problem is not information but active commitment to the total mission of the church of Christ in the world.