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He received an introduction to the WCC that included discussions on ecumenical relations, as well as an overview of planning for Nicaea 2025, the WCC’s Sixth World Conference on Faith and Order in 2025.
Hafthorsson also had conversations about the WCC’s structure and resourcing, and received a tour of the archives.
Discussions also covered the WCC Commission of the Churches on Health and Healing, peace-building in the Middle East, and climate justice.
Hafthorsson expressed gratitude for the welcome he received.
“I am filled with a sense of joy of being a part of the global ecumenical movement,” he said. “I am thankful of their generosity and their friendly and welcoming attitude.”
He also said he was impressed by the programmatic work being done by the ecumenical organisations and the vast network of partners around the globe. “It it clear to me that this work is making a difference for many people, both in the outcome of it, but also in all the preparatory work, gathering both churches and others to do His good work,” said Hafthorsson.
Dr Manoj Kurian, director of the WCC Commission of the Churches on Health and Healing, expressed gratitude for the continuing commitment of the Church of Sweden for global and ecumenical work related to health and healing.
“The church has been responding to holistic health needs of communities as an integral part of missionary activities and ecumenical initiatives from as early as 1860,” he said. “The critical solidarity and support continue today by the Church of Sweden in helping overcoming HIV and in striving for dignity in the context of reproductive and sexual health continues as a catalyst for global ecumenical action.”
Carla Khijoyan, WCC programme coordinator for peace-building in the Middle East, said that receiving Hafthorsson at the new Ecumenical Centre brought joy and, most importantly, reassurance. “At the heart of our work lies the ecumenical fellowship, which uniquely defines the World Council of Churches in its identity and mission,” she said. “The new Ecumenical Centre continues the WCC's legacy, reaffirming its role in providing a secure and inviting space for conversation and collaboration.”
Prof. Dr Vasile-Octavian Mihoc, WCC programme executive for Ecumenical Relations and Faith and Order, said it was a great pleasure to meet Hafthorsson.
“Our discussion was particularly fruitful, focusing on the ecumenical engagement of churches in Europe and the challenges they face due to the ongoing war in Ukraine,” said Mihoc. “Such ecumenical visits are of paramount importance in making the WCC’s work more dialogical and receptive to the insights and responsibilities of our ecumenical partners.”
Mihoc added that these encounters foster deep reflections, offer new perspectives for both parties, and contribute to building a stronger common ground for future collaboration. “The outcomes of these dialogues will manifest in numerous ways, benefiting all participants involved in these encounters,” he said.
Grégoire de Fombelle, coordinator of the WCC Communication Business Team, said he was pleased to host the first visitor in the new Ecumenical Centre. “It’s part of the heart of the WCC to host people and gather around the table, and I am very glad we are able to continue this mission,” he said.
