This article continues the discussion of the concept of conservative ecumenism proposed by the author in 2017 to describe conservative Christian alliances in defense of traditional values. Debates have mainly revolved around the use of the term «ecumenism» in the case of such alliances. This article proposes what the author calls «ecumenical consciousness» as the minimal criteria for being «ecumenical.» It also considers the question of whether striving for Christian unity is a necessary criterion of ecumenism. Based on the work of George Lindbeck, the author shows that the normative image of ecumenism as a movement to achieve unity as a mandatory condition is incorrect, and that negotiating unity is not the only possible form of ecumenical interaction. The author also discusses the relationship between theology and ideology in connection with ecumenism.
