At the NCCA
Consultation on Conciliar Ecumenism Gathers Key Leaders in Beirut.
Tuesday, 07 February 2012 16:03
The fourth Consultation on Conciliar Ecumenism commenced 6th February in Beirut. This meeting is facilitated by the World Council of Churches and hosted by the Middle East Council of Churches. The gathering is a unique opportunity for ecumenical leaders to reflect together on a range of issues that the churches face as they seek to fulfil their calling and mission that points to greater visible unity. The last meeting of this kind was held in 1993.The Australian churches are represented by the Reverend Tara Curlewis, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in Australia. Ms Curlewis said this meeting seeks to build fellowship between councils of churches and strengthen the network of ecumenical leaders. Many of our councils face similar challenges and this network enables us to share resources, support one another. Our working more closely together also assists the churches mission of visible unity that reaches across geographic borders.”
The consultation aims to
- offer an assessment of the ecumenical movement from the perspective of conciliar ecumenism;
- examine the role of councils and other forms of conciliar forms of ecumenism operating today;
- seek a renewed theological understanding of conciliar ecumenism
- draw on the experience of councils to consider issues such as migration and interreligious dialogue;
- establish an intentional connection between regional assemblies and the upcoming 10th Assembly of the WCC, Busan, Korea, 2013