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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.
      5. Charities, such as Tearfund, can support and promote reconciliation.

      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 sensitive content

      Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      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 meaning of the word ‘persecution’?

      celebrating religious festivals
      changing your religion freely
      Correct answer: hostility or unfair treatment for beliefs

      Q2.
      What did the teachings of Jesus often challenge?

      Correct answer: religious and political authority
      the weather and farming practices
      mathematics and science

      Q3.
      What is a key reason St Paul is remembered today?

      he became a Roman emperor
      he denied Christianity to stay alive
      Correct answer: he spread Christianity and died for his faith

      Q4.
      What does the term ‘martyr’ show about early Christians?

      They were forced to fight in wars.
      Correct answer: They were willing to die for their beliefs.
      They changed religion often.

      Q5.
      Where do Christians face persecution today?

      only in Europe
      in every country equally
      Correct answer: in countries where they are a minority

      Q6.
      The charity Doors helps Christians who face persecution today.

      Correct Answer: Open, open

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What does reconciliation mean in Christianity?

      agreeing on church music
      sharing food at festivals
      Correct answer: restoring broken relationships

      Q2.
      The Catholic Church teaches that reconciliation is one of the Seven Sacraments.

      Correct Answer: Roman

      Q3.
      In the Testament, Christians believe God sent Jesus to restore the relationship with humanity.

      Correct Answer: New

      Q4.
      Jesus’ death on the cross ended the need for reconciliation.

      True – no further action is needed by Christians.
      Correct answer: False – Christians still work to promote reconciliation.
      False – reconciliation only matters in the Catholic Church.

      Q5.
      What is the Ecumenical Movement’s goal?

      Correct answer: to build unity between Christians
      to start new denominations
      to convert people of other faiths

      Q6.
      How does Tearfund help promote reconciliation?

      by training only church leaders to preach
      Correct answer: by supporting communities to recover and rebuild
      by building new churches in wealthy areas

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