Document
Geneva, 31 March 2011
Dear Prof. Dr Sister Else-Britt Nilsen,
It is with great joy that I write to you today to congratulate you as the newly elected Moderator of the Christian Council of Norway. As we reflect upon God’s invitation to loving service in the world during this Lenten season, your election becomes as a particular blessing and a reminder of what it is to respond to God’s call.
Your experiences ecumenically and academically equip you to meaningfully lead the council, aware of the importance of reflecting the full breadth and depth of the Christian faith. Your rootedness in the Roman Catholic Church as a part of the minority church membership in the Christian Council also prepares you to assume leadership that is inclusive of all those whose voices are needed around the table. As the first woman to head the council, this indeed is a watershed moment that affirms the council’s commitment to unity in diversity as well as to gender equity.
On behalf of the worldwide fellowship of WCC member churches I celebrate your appointment as Moderator of the Christian Council of Churches of Norway, and know that your leadership will be characterized by your wisdom and prayerfulness. On behalf of the World Council of Churches, I affirm our commitment to working with you as you lead the council to live out its quest for unity and justice.
With every good wish for God’s blessings,
Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit
General secretary
World Council of Churches
