"All churches have gained enormously from the recent entry - through the 2nd Vatican Council in the 1960s - of the Roman Catholic Church into the ecumenical movement", said Rev. Dr Tom Best, a staff member of the WCC's Faith and Order Team. "Within the framework of the WCC, and in the wider ecumenical movement, many sensitive conversations are underway about the relationships of the churches to one another. What a loss if these were hindered - or even damaged - by language which precludes further discussion of the issues. In addition, one would hope for an acknowledgement of the many positive developments in common Christian confession, witness and service which have happened within the ecumenical movement over the past 100 years."

A common and credible Christian witness is needed to the many ethical and social challenges facing the world today, including issues of globalization, prophetic witness, and mission. "What a tragedy", added Best, "if this witness to a hurting world were obscured by the churches' dialogues about their relative authority and status - however important they may be."