Retiring German church leader Bishop Rolf Koppe was honoured by central committee today as he completes a career of ecumenical service which began in 1969. "Your qualities are sound judgement, theological insight and human warmth. In addition, your sense of commitment is to an ecumenical vision far beyond European Protestantism, one which aims at the all-encompassing unity of the church," said WCC moderator Rev. Dr Walter Altmann in a tribute. Bishop Koppe led German Protestant international efforts in recent years in his position as head of EKD's ecumenical relations and ministries broad, and as a member of WCC's top governing bodies. The EKD is the WCC's largest member church in Germany. Koppe played a crucial role in appeasing Orthodox concerns in recent years when he co-presided the Special Commision on Orthodox Participation in the WCC. Speaking on behalf of the Commission's members, Metropolitan Bishoy of Damiette (Coptic Orthodox Church) thanked the bishop and presented him with a Coptic icon. Responding to the tribute, Koppe reminded those present that his ecumenical motto had always been "pray together and stay together," to which he wanted to add the words "pay together!" urging all member churches to carry the financial burden of the Council.
04 September 2006