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The greeting speaks of an “ecumenism of the heart” as described in the WCC 11th Assembly Unity Statement. “Advancing an ecumenism of the heart rooted in the experience of Christ’s love, the assembly called us to become disciples of this love, loving one another, transforming the world by love, each in our places and together as the body of Christ.“
The message urges further theological exchange with other churches on concrete steps to further unity. “How can we be a sign of unity for the world, how can we be salt of the earth and light of the world, if we don‘t even live it ourselves?” the message asks. “But we can definitely already now live an ecumenism of the heart, which is firm in the conviction that denominations can never be the main basis of our identity, but can only be ways to newly discover our common Lord Jesus Christ. Let us always be aware of that, when we speak amongst ourselves and with others.”
The world urgently needs an authentic witness of the churches, concluded the message. “ Multiple threats – of accelerating climate change, COVID-19 and its impacts, conflicts, ethnic and gender-based violence, war, displacements, hunger and food insecurity, rising inequality and marginalization adds to the complexities and sufferings in the world,” reads the message. “As many are listening to God’s voice in what you say and decide during this assembly, may the Holy Spirit accompany you to bring a vision of hope, encouragement, and inspiration to a suffering and broken world.”
