CHURCHES VISIT TO WCC, GENEVA 14-16 Nov 2011
A PERSONAL REFLECTION
Stephen Smyth
DIGEST:
Thirteen representatives of churches in Scotland took part in this visit, organised by the Church of Scotland, to the WCC (World Council of Churches) in Geneva. There was a very full programme of presentations by senior staff from the WCC, CEC (Council of European Churches) and WCRC (World Communion of Reformed Churches) and additional visits. It was particularly good to hear appreciation of the Scottish Churches contribution to the successful Edinburgh 2010 Conference.
A key focus for the WCC is the forthcoming assembly in Busan, South Korea 2013. Other concerns may sound familiar to us here in Scotland: the nature and purpose of ecumenism; ecumenical relationships, models and structures; governance, management and accountability; resources, especially finance; representation and decision making; ecclesiology, history and identity; mission and common action.
Clearly, change is in the air everywhere. A key challenge is how to discern what should be held on to and developed and what should be honoured but put aside.
I hope that the experience of our little group in Geneva will inform and encourage reflection and conversation among ACTS member churches as we face the next stage of our ecumenical pilgrimage – together.
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