News
In a keynote speech in Yangon, Myanmar on Sunday, WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit praised the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) for its longstanding commitment to ecumenism and mission, and its efforts to unite Christian churches on the continent.
The speech was held in connection with the commemoration of CCA’s 60-year mark, and as a festive part of the Asia Mission Conference, where 600 delegates from churches and faith-based organizations all over the world have been gathered since Wednesday.
”A lot has been accomplished in the past 60 years and CCA has been an inspiration to the rest of the world, especially for its perspective on mission. CCA is a vibrant and living forum continuing cooperation among the churches and national Christian bodies in Asia, within the framework of the wider ecumenical movement”, said Tveit.
He added: “You have been journeying together and you are ready to move forward together and face the many challenges of our time. You are participating in the mission of God in Asia – and you are working for the benefit for the wider world”.
He also expressed his gratitude to Asian Christians for having shown that mission means working together and serving together in diakonia: transforming society with their dynamism, willingness to integrate, contributing to the building up of society – particularly in schools and in hospitals, but also helping in challenging systemic injustices and breaking down barriers and building bridges.
”Still many challenges lay ahead and we must prevail in our struggle for justice and peace and continue our journey together as prophetic witnesses to the truth and light”, he concluded; especially in a time when there are so many forces dividing us as human beings, but also as Christians.
”We are living in an era of profound contradictions, tensions, divisions, even conflicts and wars. There are so many powers and interests that are driving us apart, that are breaking down the bonds of fellowship, the qualities of relations that are given to us in the Kingdom of God and its justice and peace”.
Other urgent issues mentioned in his speech were economic disparity and injustice, abuse of political power and human rights, the refugee situation, rearmament and climate change.
”The character of our Christian faith is that we believe in, worship and preach the triune God, the creator, the liberator, saviour, and the life giver. The mission of this God is to care for all, and the wellbeing, the justice and the peace of all. Journeying together means that we are not alone! We believe that we are journeying together with the Triune God who works in a world that is groaning, along with humanity, for its redemption and final fulfilment in Christ. CCA is expressing a hope, a prayer, in your commitment to journeying together. The World Council of Churches names this a Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace.”
“We are journeying together praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As Christians we must show that our unity is a unity in diversity, and that human fellowship is possible. The Asian churches are of immense importance for Asia’s future, because they represent relevant values and messages for a future of justice and peace. That, in turn, affects churches all over the world”, Tveit concluded.
Read the speech by the WCC general secretary
WCC General Secretary applauds CCA’s contributions in strengthening ecumenism (CCA press release of 16 October 2017)
For more information on the Christian Conference of Asia
Learn more and read the WCC press release on 12th October, 2017
Voices from Asia Mission Conference, WCC News 13th October, 2017
