Final day at the Assembly

Mission and ecumenism form parts of the same movement. In this post I would like to take my point of departure in five concepts that historically has been part of the mission of the church. They are all translations of Greek concepts (in brackets). I am sure there could be other, possible translations.

Communion (koinonia)

The Ecumenical movement has to do with communion – or fellowship. To meet totally unknown persons and become close friends in short time is fantastic. Of course, it also happens in other ecumenical spaces (or other contexts outside the ecumenical movement, for that sake). Nevertheless, it is a blessing. I return back to my home having shared life and deep conversations with so many different people. And not only with people that I agree with. I could give examples but that would reproduce a feeling of otherness. My point is that I have realised that “the other” is my neighbour and even friend. This is one of the aspects of the WCC General Assembly that has been and is important to me.

Proclamation (kerygma)

This is usually connected to the proclamation of the Gospel. If have listened to a few sermons but the Word of God has also been preached through drama and in other ways. This is still not the most striking part of the Assembly. Most of the talking take place in the form of conversations and speeches.

It could be said that all the Bible studies are part of proclamation, but the methodology is much more a kind of sharing than somebody proclaiming the Christian message. In that sense, Bible studies and group conversations could also be explained as a part of koinonia.

Service (diakonia)

Service to one another takes place at the assembly. All the young stewards are part of that. They work long hours to make everything function. And they work well. I got to know some of them. One I already knew from before. Rebecka Folkesten (in the photo). Thank you so much!

Personally, I belonged to the Pastoral Care team, but I was only assigned to two shifts. I know that our group made a difference at the Assembly.

One aspect of diakonia also finds its way into several resolutions, minutes, and messages. The WCC urges its member churches as well as all Christians to serve one another, all human beings, and the whole creation. The Church is part of God’s mission (Missio Dei) and this means that it (we) is sent to this broken world. The most urgent form of diakonia that is needed and long overdue is for us as humans to understand that we have to serve the whole creation and not to act out of greed as masters, which we have done and still are doing. Especially the youth demanded action in this respect.

Witness (martyria)

Sometimes the Church needs to witness in such a way that it might lead to persecution. Many member churches are experiencing this and therefore the Assembly spoke out to several situations. The war in Ukraine is one example. But the document about the illegal invasion of Ukraine was according to me rather weak. I wonder why? I understand that the Russian Orthodox Church is one of the largest member churches, if not the largest and the dialogue with them is important. But to me the document sounds as if both sides are to blame.

Another document that became weaker than I would have hoped for was the resolution about the Middle East. But in this case the plight of Palestinian Christians is at least recognised in a more direct way.

Other situations where Christians are suffering are in Nagorno Karabach, West Papua, Armenia and Syria, just to give some examples of contents that the Assembly has issued statements about.

But the Assembly also spoke out about gender justice, justice for people living with disabilities, human rights for indigenous people and the situation of the youth. But there are also groups that are muted at the assembly. To talk about human sexuality and the experiences of LGBTI people is still something that the Assembly shies away from. This is very problematic. We sing in the morning devotion that all are welcome but not all are.

Liturgy and worship (leitourgia)

This is one of the most beautiful parts of the Assembly but also one of the most hurtful. Eucharist is at the heart of Christian worship but cannot be shared since several member churches don’t buy into that form of ecumenism. Those churches regard shared Eucharist as the expression of Church unity, not as part of the journey towards church unity.

Having said this there is a lot of sharing taking place. Especially morning devotions have been filled with wonderful expressions from almost every corner of the earth. So many languages, so many church traditions represented, so many cultures. Indeed, an enriching experience.

Conclusion

If I am to sum up this experience, I am more than satisfied. Deeply grateful and inspired. Not all has been good. But being fortunate to attend an Assembly is a huge encouragement.