Document
Esteemed members of the United Bible Societies Assembly,
Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
PART 1: Introduction
It is with profound joy and anticipation that we gather in Amsterdam united in our shared mission of spreading God’s Word and embracing Christ’s love for reconciliation and unity. It was in this very city, 75 years ago, that the World Council of Churches was established amid a world marked by divisions in the aftermath of the Second World War. As we convene today, we find ourselves in a world facing its own challenges, grappling with conflicts and turmoil, yet equally yearning for reconciliation and unity.
The World Council of Churches 11th Assembly, which took place last year in Karlsruhe, Germany, centered on the theme “Christ’s Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity,” and we carry its spirit as we come together in fellowship and collaboration. The Assembly Unity Statement calls us to a deeper commitment to unity, acknowledging that Christ’s love is the transformative force that moves us towards reconciliation. The Christlike love serves as the spiritual source of the ecumenical movement, compelling us to walk together, pray together, work together, and respond to Christ’s invitation to be of one spirit and one mind. The walking together needs to move from a side-by-side moving to a togetherness of holding hands, which shows a practice of closeness and trustfulness whose fruition is love. The WCC Assembly Unity Statement pointed out: “we will make reconciliation and unity practices of unconditional love and marks of the ecumenical movement.”
As we convene for this assembly, we are emboldened by the theme “God’s World: Reconciliation for the World,” which reflects the essence of our calling as followers of Christ. In a world marked by division, conflict, and misunderstanding, the urgency of pursuing reconciliation cannot be overstated. I am sure that you would agree with me in saying that we are living in difficult times. The world is in crisis. Our current global context has been described as a “polycrisis”. Multiple threats – of accelerating climate change, COVID-19 and its impacts, conflicts, ethnic and gender-based violence, war, displacements, hunger and food insecurity, rising inequality and marginalization adds to the complexities and sufferings in the world.
Our shared commitment to reconciliation stands as a light of hope, guiding us towards a future marked by compassion, solidarity, and mutual understanding as core virtues on the path to unity of all followers of Christ.
We often tend to forget that this is God`s world and that we are called to live responsibly as good stewards of the earth, preserving and protecting what God has created and offered to us. Yet the world is so filled with suffering, pain, greed, violence and inequalities. It continues to lead us to sin and separation from God and one another. The Word of God, the holy Scriptures, tells us that Jesus came and gave his own life so that we may be reconciled once again to God , to one another and all creation (Eph.2: 11-18). Christ is our peace and our hope! Unfortunately, it is a message and Word that the world does not want to hear or take seriously today, instead we cling to our own solutions for the disasters we have created. We need to come back to the Word of God. Something that Bible Societies continue to promote in the translations, production and distribution of the Word. The theme you have chosen for this Assembly is very relevant and timely, we have to ask again together: How does God`s Word offer reconciliation to the world?
The WCC Assembly message stated:
“Reconciliation is a movement toward God and toward each other. It implies a readiness to listen to God and to one another. It is a conversion of the heart, from selfishness and apathy to inclusion and service, acknowledging our interdependence with creation” And: “As reconciliation brings us closer to God and each other, it opens the way toward a unity founded in God’s love. As Christians, we are called to dwell in Christ’s love and to be one (John 17). Such unity, which is a gift from God, and which arises from reconciliation and is grounded in his love, enables us to address the world’s urgent problems. We will find a strength to act from a unity founded in Christ’s love, for it enables us to learn the things that make for peace, to transform division into reconciliation, and to work for the healing of our living planet. Christ’s love will sustain all of us in the task of embracing everyone and overcoming exclusion.” Just as Christ’s love moved Him to reach out to the marginalized and broken, we too are summoned to be agents of reconciliation in our fractured world. As we stand in solidarity with each other, we acknowledge that we are all interconnected members of God’s diverse family, and through reconciliation, we become instruments of His divine love and healing. The ecumenical movement is longing for a reconciliation and unity that encompasses all of humanity and even the entire cosmos. It is a unity rooted in God’s justice, where everyone finds an equal place, and creation is renewed.
The WCC assembly proposed inviting churches and ecumenical partners to commit to working together as a fellowship in “A Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity,” a methodology in which programmatic work has a strong relational nature. The WCC affirms an ecumenism of the heart, but also an ecumenism of the feet in which we walk in the sandals of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, the act of pilgrimage – which is the ecumenical driving force since the WCC Assembly in Busan in 2013 – has been deeply intertwined with spiritual transformation and restoration. Just as the faithful embarked on journeys to sacred sites seeking solace and spiritual renewal, so too must we embark on a pilgrimage of reconciliation for our fractured world.
The ecumenical movement have always been anchored in the essential aspect of building relationships. However, there is a growing desire to go further and rekindling the spirit of a dynamic and prophetic movement. The emphasis is not solely on establishing connections, but on instilling a profound sense of momentum, perpetually moving forward on a shared journey of seeking justice, reconciliation, and unity. This movement is characterized by a readiness to face and overcome the challenges that come our way. As relationships deepen and grow, they should naturally pave the way for transformative change. This change encompasses a range of facets, from individual conversion and reconciliation to advocating for societal justice and even making reparations for past wrongs.
In this pursuit of a prophetic movement, ecumenical relations stand committed to embodying the spirit of perseverance and dedication. The vision is to transcend stagnant complacency and embrace the continual process of growth in the Spirit. By nurturing these profound relationships, the ecumenical community envisions becoming a force in fostering positive change on a global scale. The journey undertaken is one that acknowledges the complexities and obstacles along the way, and the readiness to confront them head-on. By working on the principles of justice, reconciliation, and unity, ecumenical relations strive to create a transformative impact that reaches far beyond the confines of individual affiliations, embracing the diverse tapestry of humanity and the world at large. Through genuine dialogue and shared experiences, the movement seeks to inspire radical change that transcends borders and boundaries, ultimately leading to a more harmonious and just world for all.
The partnership between the World Council of Churches and the United Bible Societies is a testament to the power of Christ’s love in bridging gaps and fostering unity amid diversity. Together, we have embarked on journeys of understanding, producing meaningful publications like “Your Word is Truth: The Bible in Christian Traditions.” Authors with different Church background have explored the truths of the Bible across various Christian traditions, acknowledging the richness that exists within our shared faith. These joint projects have further strengthened our determination to seek God’s truth and promote reconciliation through His Word.
PART 2: Global Challenges
As we look to the future, we recognize the ever-changing landscape and we understand the significance of global trends in shaping our mission. It is crucial for us to pay keen attention to these developments over the coming years and to be agile and proactive in our responses to the challenges and opportunities they present.
Among the key global trends that warrant our attention, we identify the following:
- Social justice and inclusivity in the pursuit of reconciliation: The world’s current global economy deepens inequalities, worsened by the pandemic, leading some to withdraw from international cooperation. This contrasts with the biblical call for compassion and care for the vulnerable. Many churches and ecumenical partners have been advocating for a new “economy of life” that prioritizes fairness and inclusivity through transformative financial and economic systems. Embracing this vision can foster reconciliation and unity while promoting justice and solidarity for all. Bible Societies have a role to play in advocating for the oppressed, marginalized, and vulnerable, reflecting Christ’s love and compassion for all humanity.
- Environmental Stewardship: The world is witnessing a significant global trend focused on environmental awareness and action and the WCC Assembly emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship as a vital aspect of reconciliation and unity. As the effects of climate change become more urgent, Bible Societies can play a crucial role in nurturing a sense of responsibility and stewardship for God’s creation, promoting eco-theology and eco-justice initiatives. Through our collective efforts, we can inspire individuals to recognize their responsibility in nurturing and preserving the environment for future generations.
- Digital Transformation: Rapid digital transformation has reshaped how people access and interact with information, including the Bible. We recognize the significance of embracing technology to reach new audiences, particularly the younger generation, with the message of God’s Word. The distribution and accessibility of the Bible through digital platforms are crucial to reach new audiences and younger generations. Embracing technology will help us disseminate God’s Word efficiently and effectively, ensuring its accessibility to all.
- Shifting Cultural Landscape: Global trends are witnessing a diversification of cultures and an interconnected world. There is a need of cultural contextualization in promoting understanding and relevance of the Bible’s message. We must seek innovative ways to contextualize the Bible’s message while staying true to its timeless truths, fostering deeper understanding and relevance in various cultural settings.
- Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation: In a pluralistic world, fostering interfaith understanding is essential for peaceful coexistence. The WCC engages in respectful dialogue and seeks common ground with different faith communities. Together, we can build bridges of understanding and promote unity of the human family, emphasizing shared values and collaborative efforts in pursuit of a more just and harmonious world.
Concluding Remarks
As we deliberate on these global trends at this Assembly, let us be guided by Christ’s love, which compels us to be agents of reconciliation and unity amidst diversity. The challenges and opportunities ahead call for a renewed commitment to our shared mission, leveraging our partnership to impact lives positively and bring about transformative change.
May this assembly be marked by profound encounters with God’s Word and a shared understanding of our responsibility to address the pressing issues of our time. Let us embrace Christ’s love as the unifying force that enables us to navigate these trends with wisdom, humility, and grace and let us renew our commitment to spreading God’s Word as an instrument of reconciliation and healing.
With deep gratitude for our partnership and a steadfast dedication to God’s Word and the world it seeks to redeem, we fervently anticipate the discernment and guidance that the Holy Spirit will bestow upon us during this gathering.
May this assembly be a moment of divine inspiration and empowerment, moving us to be ambassadors of reconciliation in our communities, nations, and the entire world. Together, we shall carry the light of God’s Word, illuminating the path of reconciliation and leading others towards His boundless grace.
Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay
General Secretary
World Council of Churches
