Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue

Dialogue and co-operation are essential to the maritime mission. The shared commitment to seafarers enriches relations between Christian churches and other religious groups.

The International Christian Maritime Association

One of the most successful and enduring achievements of the modern ecumenical movement is the International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA).

ICMA was founded in 1969 as a free association of Christian voluntary organisations engaged in welfare work for seafarers and their families. Founder members were:

Apostleship of the Sea
Dutch Seafarers’ Mission
Lutheran Maritime Mission
Mission to Seafarers
Sailors’ Society (formerly British and International Sailors' Society)

There are now 26 member societies which together offer care and hospitality to seafarers around the world. ICMA liaises with organisations such as the International Transport Federation and the International Shipping Federation. In addition, ICMA holds NGO status at the International Labour Organisation and International Maritime Organisation, both part of the United Nations.

The ICMA Code of Conduct states that every chaplain

must show an unconditional love to the seafarer as a human being, created in the image of God, and a sincere respect to his/her personal values and beliefs

must serve all seafarers and their dependants of all nationalities, religions, cultures, language, gender or race

must fight prejudice, injustice and intolerance of any kind

must co-operate with everyone that works for the welfare of seafarers

click here to read more about how ICMA members work with seafarers

click here to read about the prize for interreligious unity awarded to Stella Maris Barcelona