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In her address to the commission. moderator Rev. Prof. Dr Stephanie Dietrich deemed the meeting a historic moment, as it is not only the gathering of a new commission but the first time the commission is meeting in Indonesia.
"We are thankful for the opportunity to gather here, and immensely grateful for the hospitality the local church is offering to us,” she said. "Terima kasih! Thank you!”
Dietrich also emphasized the importance of face-to-face discussions, decisions for the work ahead, and planning for Nicaea 2025, the Faith and Order World Conference.
During the meeting, the commission will also elect its vice moderators.
“What does our world need for the time being?” Dietrich asked. “What can we as Christians, coming from all parts of the world and all Christian denominations, offer to the world based on our faith? I suggest that it is hope that should be at the heart of our Christian message to the world.”
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Dr Maria Munkholt Christensen, WCC Faith and Order commissioner, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark, Indonesia, 2 February 2024, Photo: Dalton Darwin/WCC
Dr Andrej Jeftić, director of the commission, described in his report the uniqueness of the commission. “It is a space that gathers theologians from across the world, coming from different church traditions, different personal and ecclesial experiences, various fields of expertise, all united and mandated by the churches to advance the goal of Christian unity,” he said. "Although there are many other platforms for both official and unofficial dialogues, Faith and Order distinguishes itself through its unique character as the broadest, multilateral dialogue commission with a rich history, and profound ethos.”
The present gathering, Jeftić added, will contribute to the commission’s ongoing evolution. “As we reflect on how we can continue the work, we may wish to start by thinking what would be the best thing to do if we were starting completely anew,” he said. “As we journey together, we constantly re-imagine our relationships, goals, and aspirations.”
Read the full address of the WCC Faith and Order moderator
Read the full report of the WCC Faith and Order Director
WCC general secretary to Faith and Order: “your commitment to deep theological reflection is vital”
WCC general secretary address to the Faith and Order Commission meeting in Indonesia
Photo gallery from the meeting (free to download)
WCC Commission on Faith and Order to convene in Indonesia (WCC news release, 31 January 2024)
