Message of the Pentecostal World Fellowship

Delivered by the Rev. Dr Prince Guneratnam, chairman of the Pentecostal World Fellowship, during the Asia Plenary at the WCC Assembly in Busan.

Good morning!

My appreciation to Dr Olav Tveit and the WCC Council for their kind invitation and the privilege to greet the assembly as the Chairman of the Pentecostal World Fellowship. It is an honour to be here to greet you.

I also had the privilege to attend the 2012 WCC Central Committee Meeting in Crete where I learned more about the WCC. I was much encouraged by the unity of faith and purpose shown by the leadership drawn from the rich diversity of various Christian confessions and traditions.

I appreciate the General Secretary’s report at this Assembly in Busan and the challenges we face to bring the gospel that offers hope to the helpless and the needy.

I greet you all on behalf of the Pentecostal World Fellowship (PWF), a cooperative body of Pentecostal and Charismatic churches that encompasses more than 600 million Pentecostal and Charismatic believers in the world who are committed to fulfill the Great Commission through the empowering of the Holy Spirit.

The objectives of the Pentecostal World Fellowship are embodied in our Mission Statement.

1. Promoting and encouraging alliances amongst Spirit-filled leaders and networks
2. Coordinating worldwide prayer amongst Pentecostal believers
3. Fostering world missions and supporting humanitarian efforts, providing relief aid when and where possible
4. Speaking to governments and nations in defense of the faith, social justice and persecuted believers
5. Serving as a cooperative fellowship for Pentecostal theological Institutions

Today we live in a world wracked by poverty, corruption and religious extremism. To address these challenges we must go beyond national strategies to bring about economic transformation, social equity, religious freedom, educational reforms, technological advances and many more.

The Church of Jesus Christ has the answer and needs to demonstrate the love and power of God through the enabling of the Holy Spirit. To impact this world, we as the Church must be united while recognizing and celebrating diversity in the expressions of our faith and mission.

I believe this is the time for our organizations such as the WCC, PWF and other Christian agencies to be open and willing to accept each other to further the Kingdom of God. This will hasten the imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Let us take note of what John said to Jesus in Mark 9:38, “Teacher … we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.” Jesus responded to John, “Do not stop him … For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us” (Mark 9:39-40). May we seriously take this admonishment to heart.

I am sure that this Assembly will be successful and will accomplish that which you have set out to do.

May the Grace of our Lord Jesus, the Love of the Father and the Fellowship of the Spirit lead and guide the WCC in all your deliberations and decisions.

And may our constant, united prayer be, as the theme of this conference so aptly directs us, “God of Life, lead us to justice and peace”.

God bless you,

Rev. Dr Prince Guneratnam, chairman, Pentecostal World Fellowship