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In his first press conference as World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary-elect, Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia spoke of the contribution that he, as an African, intends to bring to his task.
"One thing that we say marks Africans out is the ability to celebrate life in the midst of death, and the capacity to hope in a situation that looks hopeless," Kobia said.
"Like many Africans, I have had personal experience of very difficult situations. What has sustained me is the capacity to hope, and this is what I intend to bring."
Evoking the concept of "ubuntu", a Zulu word, Kobia explained that for Africans, it is "that which makes human beings human", that which sustains them in their struggles. He also talked about the relational dimension in life, that helps people grow together as human beings.
Asked what he would bring to the way in which the Council operates, Kobia spoke of his support for a "consultative, participative, listening approach".
In his opening remarks to the press, "I believe very strongly that working together and walking together will help us stay together," Kobia said. "This is a spiritual journey we need to sustain, to fulfill the prayer of the Lord Jesus Christ that all may be one, that the world may believe." He also emphasized the importance of a "cosmo-vision", based on an appreciation of human dignity and the integrity of creation, that "brings together the whole created world and everything in it".
Inter-religious dialogue will, he said, be a theme in the years leading up to the WCC's 2006 assembly. "The 20th century was dominated by the politics of ideology. It is likely that the 21st will be dominated by the politics of identity. Many people define their identity in a religious way. If we are to overcome violence and create peace and justice, we need a multi-faith approach."
On the importance of involving young people in ecumenical affairs, "The older generation acquired its ecumenical formation in many ways, for example through the world student Christian movement. We want to provide such spaces for young people today," Kobia explained.
Referring to moves towards a new configuration of the ecumenical movement, Kobia noted that the political and social situation has greatly changed since 1948, when the WCC was founded. Thus, "We need to find other ways of ensuring a wider ecumenical partnership," he said.
There will be a meeting in Antelias, Lebanon in November to discuss possible reconfiguration scenarios. "Participants from the Roman Catholic Church, Pentecostals, and Evangelicals will be present in a personal capacity," Kobia noted. "We hope that we will be able to discuss very frankly the possibility of a broader ecumenical platform where these three groups will feel comfortable as members."
Kobia also mentioned the WCC's role in discussing ethical issues, including human sexuality. "We are all at different stages and different levels of addressing the issue of human sexuality," he said. According to the general secretary-elect, there are different "entry points" to the discussion, depending on the national context. "Africans have difficulty discussing this, but in the context of HIV/AIDS they cannot afford not to," Kobia said. "In Asia, the entry point is the issue of sexual violence. But the WCC is the place where we can engage with each other, without rushing to a final statement."