Document
30 April – 2 May 2010
Greetings in the name of our gracious and loving Triune God, who calls us to be one. It gives me great pleasure to join you in this glorious celebration as you gather for this assembly under the prophetic theme of “Faith. Hope. Love in Action.” The theme both reflects the rich 140 year history of the United Methodist Women and expresses the deep commitment to service, justice and advocacy that you have put into the life-changing work throughout the world. World Council of Churches (WCC) bears testimony to such work that has found expression in many forms, including your participation in the WCC Assemblies and Central Committees and timeless human and financial resources through supporting and partnering with the WCC’s Women in Church and Society and Youth work.
Let me also take this opportunity to express our appreciation for your bold vision, generosity, hospitality and ecumenical commitment to advocacy through building and opening for many the Church Centre at the United Nations in New York. Not only is the CCUN where the WCC UN Liaison Office is housed, it is a critical place through which we engage in advocacy. You offer hospitality at the Church Centre as a home to thousands from the globe who come to raise the prophetic voices of the WCC member churches at the United Nations. Your generosity has enabled countless sisters and brothers from the WCC fellowship to advocate together for women’s empowerment, gender justice, racial equality, human rights, indigenous peoples’ rights, climate change, and nuclear disarmament, just to name a few. At the annual Commission on the Status of Women, thousands of women have been able to share experiences, receive spiritual nourishment, and partake in common ecumenical advocacy in seeking international and national actions for a life of dignity for women and girls throughout the world.
On this 140th anniversary of existence and the United Methodist Women assembly, I join all your partners and the WCC member churches to give tribute to you, our sisters, mothers and the fore mothers for your prophetic work and partnership as an expression of love in action. Indeed in faith, you have brought hope to the world as your committed living service of love.
As you spend these few days together, may the God who inspires your service renew you with strength to continue the great work which was started with the fore mothers before you.
With Christ’s love and admiration
Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit
WCC general secretary
