The
8th assembly of the World Council of Churches will be asked to consider the
formation of a new and broader ecumenical forum, but one in which the WCC
will have no privileged place.
The move comes as the council grapples with questions about its essence,
membership and relevance in a world where it is just one participant in
a growing and changing ecumenical movement.
WCC general secretary Dr Konrad Raiser will give details of this proposal
when he delivers his report to the assembly today.
Today's report of the moderator of the WCC central committee, His Holiness
Catholicos Aram I, will also cover the need for the council to redefine
its mission and sense of purpose.
"Institutional ecumenism is in crisis," Aram is expected tell the assembly
today. "Much of our constituency is disillusioned with the institutional
expressions of the ecumenical movement. People, especially the youth,
do not want to become prisoners of structures."
He believes people "are looking for fresh air to breathe and wider
space to live and to express their ecumenical concerns and convictions.
They are creating new contexts and opportunities to come together.
"I strongly believe that the future of the ecumenical movement lies
with committed and visionary young people, not with structures and programmes,"
says Aram. "Hence, unless the churches re-own the ecumenical movement and
re-articulate clearly its vision by making it relevant to the life of the
people, the ecumenical movement may lose its vitality and sense of purpose."
For his part, Raiser is expected to refer in his report to the fact
that the council has in its profile become predominantly Protestant and
Western, deciding according to the parliamentary tradition of constitutional
democracies, and with an emphasis on membership.
This raises questions about the position of the Eastern Orthodox Churches,
which are feeling increasingly marginalised; of the Roman Catholic
Church, which is not a member but with which the WCC has deepening relations;
and of churches in Africa and other parts of the southern hemisphere which
place greater emphasis on dialogue and consensus, and have a greater respect
for hierarchy and authority.
Raiser will ask whether "membership" as an institutional arrangement
is the only — or even the most appropriate — form of taking part in the
ecumenical movement.
"To give tangible expression to its readiness to foster wider relationships
beyond membership, the council has suggested exploring the formation of
a ‘Forum of Christian Churches and Ecumenical Organisations' in which participation
is more important than membership."
The forum would offer a space to discuss challenges facing the ecumenical
movement and decide on co-operation.
"The forum should not become yet another institution with administrative
and bureaucratic structures," says Raiser, according to a preview of his
report.
"The WCC would participate in the forum alongside other partners without
claiming any privileged place."
An exploratory consultation on the forum took place in August, and
Raiser will submit it to the assembly through the Policy Reference Committee
I.
In his report, Raiser will revisit the roots of the WCC in Amsterdam
in 1948, and to deal with the meaning of jubilee on the occasion of the
50th anniversary of the WCC and the concept of fellowship within
the council.
Aram will give an account of council activities since the 7th assembly
in Canberra as well as highlight some of the challenges and perspective
for the future.
Back to top
