Anders Wejryd reflects on Christian unity at Community of Sant’Egidio conference

 — Sept. 7, 20157 sept. 2015
By Naveen Qayyum, WCC News

The role of Christian unity in today’s world was explored at length by the Rev. Dr Anders Wejryd, Archbishop emeritus of the Church of Sweden and president for Europe of the World Council of Churches (WCC), in his speech at the international conference in Tirana, Albania sponsored by the Community of Sant’Egidio. The conference addressed the theme “Peace is Always Possible”.

The conference, held from 6 to 8 September, was organized by the Community of Sant’Egidio together with the Catholic and Orthodox churches in Albania. The event gathered participants from diverse religious traditions from around the world.

The Community of Sant’Egidio is a worldwide movement of lay people that promotes prayer, solidarity, ecumenism, dialogue, as well the cause of peace and poverty elimination.

In his address at the conference, Wejryd stressed that, if “Christian unity is to be a positive power in a divided world, it must be a unity that is constantly examined in prayer and meditation, related to Word and Sacraments, personally but not only individually. The Spirit always needs others to reach us! The Church is not outdated!”

Speaking about “peace issues”, Wejryd said that “when borders are closed in Europe in order to preserve Christian values, the most central Christian values are denied.”

“Churches have to be clear in advocating for the right to asylum, peace, life, freedom of religion and belief – all of which means human rights,” said Wejryd.

“With our conviction, resources and, to a greater or lesser extent, credibility, we have to act and speak clearly – not fearing to cooperate with people of other faiths or no faith if they are of good will, wanting to act and live for life!” he concluded.

Among prominent speakers at the conference are Metropolitan Serafim Kykotis and Metropolitan Dr Vasilios of Constantia – Ammochostos, who serve as members of the WCC Central Committee, as well as Archbishop Dr Anastasios of Tirana and All Albania, former moderator of the WCC’s Commission on World Mission and Evangelism.

Posted: Sept. 7, 2015 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=8665
Categories: WCC NewsIn this article: Christian unity, Community of Sant'Egidio, Europe, peace
Transmis : 7 sept. 2015 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=8665
Catégorie : WCC NewsDans cet article : Christian unity, Community of Sant'Egidio, Europe, peace


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