The Focolare Movement – What is it?

TL;DR:

The Focolare Movement seeks global unity and peace through ecumenical efforts. While its goals are admirable, the movement lacks a biblical foundation, promoting unity apart from salvation through Jesus Christ, which is the only true source of eternal peace.

what does the bible say?

The Focolare (Italian for “hearth”) Movement began in Italy in 1943 as an ecumenical unity effort for spiritual and social renewal. Chiara Lubich (1920—2008), a Catholic, is the founder and said her concept came from John 17:21: "that they may all be one…" as Jesus prayed. Adherents come from many religions and even include those who are non-religious, though the movement is largely Catholic. Lubich sometimes called the Focolare Movement the "Work of Mary," the idea being that Focolarini would bring Jesus to the world, just as Mary did. She also thought the Focolare Movement was similar to Mary as a mother and unifier.

But true Christian unity is rooted in faith in Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation. Jesus’ prayer for unity in John 17:21 is fulfilled by the work of the Holy Spirit in those who believe in Him as Lord and Savior. Paul affirms this in Ephesians 4:3-6, stating that believers should"maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit…one Lord, one faith, one baptism." This unity is not a generic sense of togetherness but a specific spiritual bond among believers in Christ.

Focolare, however, sets aside essential biblical doctrines, promoting unity across religions and even among non-religious adherents. The Bible teaches that peace with God is only possible through Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Romans 5:1). Relying on human effort or vague spiritual ideals to achieve unity ignores the foundational truth of salvation in Christ alone. James 2:19 warns that even a belief in God is insufficient without true faith in Jesus, demonstrating that Focolare’s inclusive approach is at odds with Scripture.

from the old testament

The prophecy in Isaiah 9:6 emphasizes that true peace comes through the Messiah, Jesus Christ, not human efforts: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Psalm 127:1 tells us that "unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." Efforts to create unity without God’s direction and power will ultimately fail.

from the new testament

In John 14:6 Jesus makes it clear that salvation and peace with God are found only through Him: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Acts 4:12 reinforces the exclusivity of Jesus as the only Savior: "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
True Christian unity is a spiritual reality founded on shared faith in Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:3-6).

implications for today

Those in Focolare want to live out the gospel to erase division and create a world of peace. It is an admirable goal. However, Jesus' charge to His followers is to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). Focolare does not preach or teach Jesus as the only way to God (John 14:1, 6), but simply wants to unify all people who may (or may not) believe in some sort of generic god. This is contrary to the teachings found in the Bible. James 2:19 states, "You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!"

Focolare sets aside the message of the New Testament that peace can be found only in God through Jesus. The movement relies on a common humanity plea, elevating Mary as a universal mother and Catholicism as a basis, but not a requirement, for membership.

Contrastingly, true Christian unity is formed on an agreement of the doctrine of the Bible, salvation only through Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and no other way to God nor salvation (Acts 4:12). True Christian unity is a work of the Holy Spirit who indwells all who are in Christ. Focolare is not biblically Christian. Some of Focolare's goals are admirable, but apart from Christ they are impossible. We cannot bring about unity through human effort, and certainly cannot attain unity apart from a solid foundation in the single truth of Jesus Christ. Rather than seek world peace, we are to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is only through knowing Jesus that people will be saved. One day He will return, and then peace will come (Acts 1:11; 2 Peter 3:9-10; Revelation 21—22).

Rather than aligning with movements that compromise biblical truth, believers should continue proclaiming salvation through Jesus, trusting that He will one day establish eternal peace and unity when He returns.

understand

The Focolare Movement is highly Catholic and seeks global unity, peace, and spiritual renewal through ecumenical efforts.
The Focolare Movement promotes unity apart from Christ.
True unity and peace are not possible without Jesus Christ.

reflect

How does your understanding of biblical unity shape your approach to relationships and community?
How do you rely on Jesus Christ to be the foundation for peace in your life, in your spheres of influence, and in the world?
How can you discern between admirable human efforts versus biblically-rooted initiatives for unity?

engage

What does the Bible teach about the relationship between unity and salvation through Christ?
How should we engage with movements like Focolare that have admirable goals but lack a biblical foundation?
How can we better point others to the unity and peace that are found only through Jesus Christ?