News
The Apostolic Exhortation recently delivered by Pope Francis concerning the proclamation of the Gospel in today’s world has stirred interest and appreciation from the World Council of Churches (WCC) as a challenging and inviting document.
“The Apostolic Exhortation is more than simply conveying the message of the Synod on evangelization, but addresses the need for the renewal of the church at all levels from the perspective of the call to be a missional church,” WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit said.
“The tone of the document is open and both challenging and inviting,” he added. “It is really inspiring to read as we now try to implement the mandate from our recent assembly in Busan, Republic of Korea. It provides an inspiring interaction between ecclesiological reflections, missionary perspectives and concerns about economic, ecological justice and peace building as significant missionary dimensions of the church.”
“At the recent WCC 10th assembly in Busan we too highlighted the need for the renewal of the church both through a new mission statement that speaks of mission being from the margins of society, and the movement of the church and ecumenical movement toward justice and peace,” Tveit said.
Tveit added that he sees parallels between the “pilgrimage of justice and peace” the WCC fellowship of 345 member churches will be embarking on, especially now after the November assembly and the reflections of Pope Francis.
In January, WCC staff will continue their reflection and study of the Apostolic Exhortation through a special day of staff discussions dedicated to the document. The WCC and Vatican have continued to work closely with one another during the past several decades through the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity.
Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Francis, 2013
Together Towards Life: Mission and Evangelism in Changing Landscapes
Official website of the WCC 10th Assembly
More information on cooperation between the WCC and the Vatican