MESSAGE FROM HIS ALL HOLINESS ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW I TO
THE NINTH ASSEMBLY OF THE WCC
Bartholomew, by the grace of God Archbishop of Constantinople, New
Rome, and Ecumenical Patriarch,
To the beloved participants of the ninth assembly of the World
Council of Churches: grace, mercy and peace from our Triune God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
From the historic throne of Constantinople, we extend cordial wishes
to the leadership and the participants of this major inter-ecclesial
gathering, marking the beginning of a new era in the history of the
ecumenical movement. On the occasion of this auspicious encounter,
we greet you with the words of St Paul: "Rejoice in God through our
Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have received reconciliation"
(Rom 5:10-12).
We would also like to express our sadness that, in spite of our
desire and commitment, we are unable to be with you at this
significant ecumenical event, <b>for reasons independent of our will.</b>
An assembly of the WCC is an exceptional event for the entire
ecumenical movement, and for the fellowship of churches constituting
the WCC in particular. It is a celebration, an experience of
togetherness, an opportunity for a genuine encounter, <b>a moment for
common prayer to the almighty God.</b> It is an occasion for a sober
assessment of the churches' common journey on their way towards
unity. It is an encounter during which delegates from all member
churches are called to search for a new vision for the future, and
new ways of dialogue, cooperation and interaction. It is an exercise
of spiritual discernment in the search for new efforts to redefine
and reappropriate our common commitment on the long path of the
search for Christian unity.
We particularly welcome the fact that, for the first time, an
assembly of the WCC is taking place in Brazil, on the Latin American
continent, at the kind and generous invitation of the Christian
churches of this country and this region. It is a region marked by
deep pain and suffering but known also for hope and joy grounded in
the faith of the people.
In the seven-year period since Harare, our churches have experienced
significant developments.
The Special Commission on Orthodox Participation in the WCC,
established by the eighth assembly, worked hard and raised decisive
challenges for our participation in the life of the WCC. For the
first time in the history of the WCC, fundamental questions raised
by the Orthodox churches were also shared by other member-churches.
Prayer, ecclesiology, membership, ethical and moral issues, as well
as new ways of decision-making were proposed for further reflection
and discussion. The Special Commission has presented its report. We
have noted with satisfaction the positive reception of this report,
particularly by our sister Orthodox churches. We now have to
continue our work together for the implementation of its decisions
with realism and responsibility, for the benefit of the fellowship
of our churches.
The Decade to Overcome Violence was also launched by the eighth
assembly. Member-churches and ecumenical partners were invited to
work unceasingly for reconciliation and peace, and for the
elimination of all forms of violence, since violence constitutes an
offence against God, humanity and creation. At the mid-point of the
decade, we realize that a great deal still has to be done, both by
the WCC and each one of the member-churches.
The need to look afresh at our vision and expectations of the
ecumenical movement in the 21st century has become urgent since
Harare, and has led to the process of reconfiguration, and a search
for realignment of the ecumenical organizations at the service of
the imperative of the gospel and human needs. We are following the
process with interest and we will gladly contribute to it.
Indeed, in a world where there is still much division,
fragmentation, human suffering, poverty, fear of war, injustice and
violation of human rights, and where socio-political and economic
crises are faced daily, we have high expectations from the
ecumenical movement, and particularly from this ninth assembly of
the WCC.
<b>The Ecumenical Patriarchate is committed to the WCC and the
ecumenical movement as a whole. It will continue to offer its
witness and to share the richness of its theological and ecclesial
tradition in the search for unity among Christian churches, in all
efforts towards reconciliation and peace, in all attempts to serve
the manifold human needs, and in the protection of creation which is
a gift of God entrusted to humanity.</b>
It is our fervent prayer that the Holy Spirit will guide the
deliberations at the assembly and will bestow on all participants in
this gathering wisdom, discernment and courage.
"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and
the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all" (2 Cor 13:14).
At the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Phanar, 2nd of February 2006
Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord to the Temple
Your fervent supplicant before God,
Archbishop of Constantinople and Ecumenical Patriarch
