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WCC acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca offered an update on the work of the WCC. Also discussed were important milestones from the COVID-19 pandemic, including new ways of working.
Those convened also discussed WCC’s work related to the war in Ukraine and WCC policies related to Palestine and Israel.
Nordic church leaders also heard an overview of the upcoming meetings of the WCC executive committee and central committee, as well as the WCC’s process for electing a general secretary.
In addition, WCC leadership staff offered an update on the Green Village and on harvesting the fruits of the Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace. Finally, participants also received on update on the ecclesial landscapes, and shared prayers for ongoing collaboration amid the world’s many challenges.
Sauca shared words of gratitude to the WCC Nordic member churches for their strong and sustainable longstanding commitment to the ecumenical movement. “I recall Nathan Söderblom’s leadership in bringing the landmark Universal Conference on Life and Work to Stockholm in 1925,” said Sauca. “The statue of Nathan Söderblom is based outside my office, and I see him every day as a role model for committed members of the living fellowship of churches working, praying and walking together.”
Birger Nygaard, general secretary of the Council on International Relations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark, said: “I have a sense that we are at a crucial time, where bold decision and directions are necessary for the next steps of the pilgrimage and for the WCC as any global organization.”
Very Rev. Peter Lindvall, head of the Unit for Pastoral Development and Ecumenical Relations Department of Church and Society for the Church of Sweden, said: “As member churches, we want to contribute to the development of WCC, and the opportunity to share this precious time with WCC leaders really contributed to our capacity to be active and constructive members of the WCC.”
