Over 350 members of the central committee, guests, advisors and staff gathered at the Ecumenical Institute Château de Bossey for a celebration to mark the 70th anniversary of the World Council of Churches (WCC).
The World Council of Churches is an ecumenical partner supported by the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund apportionment which enables United Methodists to share a presence and a voice in the activities of several national and worldwide ecumenical organizations.
Celebrations commenced with a tour of the institute, after which the gathering received messages of congratulation from the chairman of the Pentecostal World Fellowship, Dr Prince Guneratnam, and Dr Philip Lee, general secretary of the World Association for Christian Communication. Then followed celebratory presentations from different WCC regions and from young stewards working in support of the central committee meeting. Songs, dancing, laughter, and expressions of gratitude marked the occasion.
Through painting, the gathering had an opportunity for creative expression on the themes of pilgrimage and justice, after which they shared a meal and the anniversary cake, topped by green icing. "We share a cake as we share our life together. A green cake is a symbol of a green future as pilgrims of justice and peace. Let us continue to pray together," said WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit.
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| The celebration ended with the cutting of a cake by the WCC general secretary and the central committee moderator as the participants sang "Happy birthday to WCC." "We look forward to the next 70 years," they continued. "We share a cake as we share our life together. A green cake is a symbol of a green future as pilgrims of justice and peace. Let us continue to pray together," said WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC. |
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| Joy and laughter marked the occasion as participants reflected on the 70 years' ecumenical journey. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC. |
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| The unity theme emerged in several of the paintings. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC. |
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| Participants also shared a sumptuous meal. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC. |
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| Led by representatives of the Asia Region, the occasion recognized and celebrated the common agenda of all Christians through singing "Dongan Sapartinaonan O parmitu , Dongan Sapangkilalaan, olo tutu,"—"Friends in one feeling let us drink, We have the same burden, yes." Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC. |
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| WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit received a gift from the chairman of the Pentecostal World Fellowship, Dr Prince Guneratnam, in recognition and appreciation of the work the council has done over the 70 years. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC. |
World Council of Churches Website
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund enables United Methodists to share a presence and a voice in the activities of several national and worldwide ecumenical organizations. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund apportionment at 100 percent.
