“Early centuries” of Christianity revisited by gathering of world churches

The World Council of Churches (WCC) organized a historic gathering of leaders from virtually all branches of the Christian faith in Nairobi, Kenya, Nov. 6–9. Together, they declared a “new beginning” in dialogue between Christians, who represent a third of the world’s population.

“This was the first time since the early centuries of Christian history the whole spectrum of leadership in the Christian world sat at the same table,” said Larry Miller, general secretary of the Mennonite World Conference (MWC).

The Global Christian Forum drew 245 representatives from 72 nations to explore, “Our Journey with Jesus Christ, the Reconciler.” Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican, African Instituted, Pentecostal, and Evangelical attended the forum intended as dialogue rather than theological debate.

Leaders signed a statement hailing a “new beginning” in church relations despite differences in ecclesiology, mission, and the scope of evangelism. The document expresses a desire to build on but not replace other ecumenical and inter-confessional initiatives to overcome divisions in the Christian family.

“Having a common history of faith is a seed of hope to bring down the barriers that divide us,” said Patricia Urueña, MWC vice-president, and president elect.

The process was begun in the late 1990s by Konrad Raiser, then WCC general secretary. “He said we need a safe place where the whole church can gather, where they can trust each other, where they don’t feel that the WCC or the Catholic Church is trying to take over, and where there are no institutional commitments,” said Miller.

WCC regularly holds meetings, but they usually don’t include Catholics, who represent half of the world’s Christians, or Pentecostals, or Evangelicals.

Danisa Ndlovu said sharing testimonies of conversion, ministry, and discipleship was a highlight. “As we began to hear and see common threads in our stories we were inevitably drawn closer to each other.”

“What was most impressive was that this process to bring all Christian churches to the same table, especially Evangelicals and Pentecostals, seems to be working,” said Miller. “If it continues for a couple of decades, this gathering will someday be viewed as a watershed in 21st century Christianity.”

—MWC