St Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS, B2G 2W5 CANADA

wsweet@stfx.ca

This paper briefly explores different conceptions of globalization, identifies how globalization can challenge existing economic, political, and cultural institutions (and those affected by these institutions), and suggests how the example of ecumenical dialogue provides some insights and a means by which one can articulate basic principles of a global ethic—an ethic that will allow these institutions to respond constructively to such challenges.