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GCF Signs Memorandum of Understanding with World Council of Churches
On June 16th 2022, the Global Christian Forum celebrated a joyous occasion through the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the World Council of Churches.
The WCC acting general secretary, Rev. Prof. Dr. Ion Sauca described the beginning of GCF as it emerged in response to significant changes in the global ecclesial landscape during the 20th century. Due to the emergence of new Christian traditions and movements, the WCC, the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, the World Evangelical Alliance, and the Pentecostal World Fellowship felt led to create a new space of Christian unity – the Global Christian Forum.
In his remarks, Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca stated:
“We rejoice in the existence and in the witness of the Global Christian Forum to our common calling to bear witness together to the reconciliation and unity of all things in Jesus Christ, God and Saviour. It is in this spirit that we rejoice in the signing of the memorandum of understanding that facilitates the cooperation between the two bodies – the WCC and the GCF – both called to work in synergy and complementarity. We pray that the Global Christian Forum will be blessed in its service to Christian unity.”
GCF Secretary, Rev. Dr. Casely Essamuah, also spoke with joy about signing the memorandum of understanding, stated that “it affirmed our status as a forum, not an institution, and the WCC’s status as one of the four cornerstones of our operation.” Dr. Essamuah continued by highlighting the GCF priority to intensify dialogue and continue engaging groups who have been missing from the table in the past, particularly women, young people, mega churches and migrant churches.
During the signing ceremony, each of the four pillars of GCF was represented and given a chance to speak.
Bishop Thomas Schirrmacher, general secretary of the World Evangelical Alliance, said it was gracious of the WCC to host the signing ceremony. “As one of the pillars, we want to be involved, and we want to be part of giving this space,” he said.
Fr Andrzej Choromański, Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, expressed appreciation for the way in which the Catholic Church continues to be involved. “There is a need to have this space which has been conceived,” he said. “This memorandum of understanding is the fruit of many discussions. We will continue to be a part of the Global Christian Forum and we see the future of this unifying platform.”
Dr Billy Wilson, Pentecostal World Fellowship, thanked those who helped forge the agreement. “I consider it a healthy place of dialogue, relationship-building, and love,” he said. “What I’ve found in the Global Christian Forum is a great place for dialogue—but an even better place to make friends and share the love of Jesus with one another.”
