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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain the role of the worldwide Church in working for reconciliation.

      Key learning points

      1. Reconciliation refers to making up and rebuilding relationships between two groups/sides after disagreement.
      2. Reconciliation is a core belief within Christianity because Jesus' sacrifice reconciled humans' relationship with God.
      3. The worldwide Church has a duty to promote reconciliation between Christians, and people of other religions.
      4. Reconciliation is promoted within Christianity through the Ecumenical Movement and The Worldwide Council of Churches.

      Keywords

      • Church - the People of God/Body of Christ, among whom Christ is present and active; members of a particular Christian denomination/tradition, eg Roman Catholic Church

      • Ecumenical - referring to the efforts by Christians of different Church traditions to develop closer relationships and better understandings

      • Reconciliation - making up and rebuilding relationships between two groups/sides after disagreement

      Common misconception

      Jesus' death on the cross ended the need for reconciliation.

      Reconciliation is still important for many Christians; many Christians believe that the duty to promote reconciliation extends to Christians today.

      Teacher tip

      You may wish to remind students of Christian beliefs about Jesus' death as an atoning sacrifice prior to this lesson.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the Great Commission?

      a list of Church rules
      Correct answer: Jesus’ instruction to spread the gospel
      a prayer said at Pentecost

      Q2.
      What event is often seen as the birthday of the Church?

      Christmas
      The Last Supper
      Correct answer: Pentecost

      Q3.
      What does the term “gospel” mean?

      Correct answer: good news
      church law
      worship

      Q4.
      Which of the following best describes evangelism?

      quiet personal prayer
      Correct answer: spreading the gospel message
      church fundraising events

      Q5.
      How can evangelism take place today?

      only through public preaching
      Correct answer: through preaching, everyday actions, and global mission work
      only inside churches

      Q6.
      Peter, and later Paul, were key figures in spreading the Christian faith. They are known as ...

      Correct Answer: apostles, apostle

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      The Ecumenical Movement works to promote between Christian denominations.

      Correct Answer: unity

      Q2.
      What is the main goal of reconciliation in Christianity?

      to judge sinners
      to convert people
      Correct answer: to restore broken relationships

      Q3.
      How does the Bible show that reconciliation has always been important?

      Correct answer: It includes covenants, sacrifices, and prophets offering peace.
      It focuses only on the New Testament.
      It avoids any mention of human failure.

      Q4.
      What does 2 Corinthians 5:18 say about reconciliation?

      that Jesus caused division
      Correct answer: that God reconciled us through Christ
      that Christians must sacrifice animals

      Q5.
      What is the Sacrament of Reconciliation in Catholicism?

      a meal shared with others
      Correct answer: confessing sins and receiving forgiveness
      a celebration of Jesus’ resurrection

      Q6.
      All Christians believe in the same method of reconciliation.

      True – they all follow the Catholic tradition.
      False – only priests can reconcile with God.
      Correct answer: False – approaches vary among denominations.

      To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Working for reconciliation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...