Episcopal Press and News
Churches Seeking Broader Ecumenical Forum
Episcopal News Service. October 3, 2000 [2000-150]
(ENS) Thirty representatives from around the world gathered in California to "explore the idea of a Global Christian Forum that would include a wide spectrum of churches and organizations," according to a September 11 communique.
The idea of a broad-based forum that goes "beyond the present ecumenical structures" has emerged recently among those who are convinced that traditional patterns are too limited, that more Christians should be welcomed to the table.
Originally the idea for such a forum was part of conversations within the World Council of Churches, but the development of a proposal is now the mandate of an independent continuation committee.
The Rev. David Perry, the Episcopal Church's ecumenical officer, is a member of the committee that includes representatives from Anglican, Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Protestant, Pentecostal and Evangelical churches, as well as others from Christian networks and parachurch organizations. They also brought to the meeting the realities of regional challenges from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. As a result of the broad representation, the hopes and expectations of traditional churches, as well as independent or free churches, were openly and frankly discussed, according to the communique.
Perry said that it was "a very unusual meeting, an incredible gathering of people, many of whom don't meet in other settings." Because the conversations were very open and honest, "our stereotypes were challenged. It was a marvelous opportunity to relate in some very direct ways, to build trust and to share common agendas."
He added, "At the heart of many of our conversations was a concern for our witness in the world. And the spirit of the meeting is just what we are looking for as we attempt to bring more people to the ecumenical table and move together into the future."
Perry said that for him, and most of the other participants, "it was a growing, learning experience -- and a very promising sign that could encourage others to join the conversation."
The representatives agreed on some possible contours of a forum, including attempts to:
- deepen our commitment to God's mission in the world;
- enhance our understanding of contemporary expressions of Christian mission;
- pursue principles and practices that would enable us to handle our Christian differences and distinctives creatively and peaceably;
- strengthen the wholeness of the church by encouraging communication and cooperation, and foster relationships that may lead to common witness.
The communique concluded by noting that "the meeting was marked by an atmosphere of mutual partnership, trust and consensus building and was undergirded by warm and deep fellowship."