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MESSAGE FROM HIS ALL HOLINESS ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW I TO THE NINTH ASSEMBLY OF THE WCC
Bartholomew, by the grace of God Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome, and Ecumenical Patriarch,
To the beloved participants of the ninth assembly of the World Council of Churches: grace, mercy and peace from our Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
From the historic throne of Constantinople, we extend cordial wishes to the leadership and the participants of this major inter-ecclesial gathering, marking the beginning of a new era in the history of the ecumenical movement. On the occasion of this auspicious encounter, we greet you with the words of St Paul: "Rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have received reconciliation" (Rom 5:10-12).
We would also like to express our sadness that, in spite of our desire and commitment, we are unable to be with you at this significant ecumenical event, for reasons independent of our will.
An assembly of the WCC is an exceptional event for the entire ecumenical movement, and for the fellowship of churches constituting the WCC in particular. It is a celebration, an experience of togetherness, an opportunity for a genuine encounter, a moment for common prayer to the almighty God. It is an occasion for a sober assessment of the churches' common journey on their way towards unity. It is an encounter during which delegates from all member churches are called to search for a new vision for the future, and new ways of dialogue, cooperation and interaction. It is an exercise of spiritual discernment in the search for new efforts to redefine and reappropriate our common commitment on the long path of the search for Christian unity.
We particularly welcome the fact that, for the first time, an assembly of the WCC is taking place in Brazil, on the Latin American continent, at the kind and generous invitation of the Christian churches of this country and this region. It is a region marked by deep pain and suffering but known also for hope and joy grounded in the faith of the people.
In the seven-year period since Harare, our churches have experienced significant developments.
The Special Commission on Orthodox Participation in the WCC, established by the eighth assembly, worked hard and raised decisive challenges for our participation in the life of the WCC. For the first time in the history of the WCC, fundamental questions raised by the Orthodox churches were also shared by other member-churches. Prayer, ecclesiology, membership, ethical and moral issues, as well as new ways of decision-making were proposed for further reflection and discussion. The Special Commission has presented its report. We have noted with satisfaction the positive reception of this report, particularly by our sister Orthodox churches. We now have to continue our work together for the implementation of its decisions with realism and responsibility, for the benefit of the fellowship of our churches.
The Decade to Overcome Violence was also launched by the eighth assembly. Member-churches and ecumenical partners were invited to work unceasingly for reconciliation and peace, and for the elimination of all forms of violence, since violence constitutes an offence against God, humanity and creation. At the mid-point of the decade, we realize that a great deal still has to be done, both by the WCC and each one of the member-churches.
The need to look afresh at our vision and expectations of the ecumenical movement in the 21st century has become urgent since Harare, and has led to the process of reconfiguration, and a search for realignment of the ecumenical organizations at the service of the imperative of the gospel and human needs. We are following the process with interest and we will gladly contribute to it.
Indeed, in a world where there is still much division, fragmentation, human suffering, poverty, fear of war, injustice and violation of human rights, and where socio-political and economic crises are faced daily, we have high expectations from the ecumenical movement, and particularly from this ninth assembly of the WCC.
The Ecumenical Patriarchate is committed to the WCC and the ecumenical movement as a whole. It will continue to offer its witness and to share the richness of its theological and ecclesial tradition in the search for unity among Christian churches, in all efforts towards reconciliation and peace, in all attempts to serve the manifold human needs, and in the protection of creation which is a gift of God entrusted to humanity.
It is our fervent prayer that the Holy Spirit will guide the deliberations at the assembly and will bestow on all participants in this gathering wisdom, discernment and courage.
"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all" (2 Cor 13:14).
At the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Phanar, 2nd of February 2006
Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord to the Temple
Your fervent supplicant before God,
+ Bartholomew,
Archbishop of Constantinople and Ecumenical Patriarch
