This work investigates the historical development, theological foundations, and organizational evolution of the modern ecumenical movement within global Christianity. Norman Goodall, a prominent figure in the World Council of Churches, utilizes his extensive first-hand experience and archival access to document the transition from fragmented denominationalism to collaborative institutional cooperation. The text argues that the movement represents a significant shift in how diverse Christian traditions reconcile doctrinal differences with the pursuit of visible unity.

Scholars and historians of religion frequently cite this text as a foundational primary source for understanding the mid-twentieth-century ecumenical landscape. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which reflects the author's deep immersion in the administrative and theological complexities of the era.