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Christian Conference of Asia
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Consultation on "Ecumenism in the 21st Century in a Globalized World", 1-3 February, Geneva, Switzerland:
Organized by the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation [JPIC] Team of the World Council of Churches, the Consultation on Ecumenism in the 21st Century in a Globalized World brought together 31 church leaders and leaders from the ecumenical movement for deliberations as a think-tank on the meaning and role of ecumenism in today's context. And to propose ways of consolidating solidarity among churches to raise issues of common concern. Inputs were provided by Bishop Aldo Etchegoyen (from Argentina who commented on the Theme), and Professor Ninan Koshy (from India who presented his paper "Reflection on the context of globalization and the war against terror: challenge to the Ecumenical Movement"). A panel consisting of members from Canada (Rev. Chris Ferguson), Russia (Fr. Vsevolod Chaplin), Fiji (Ms. Lorine Tevi), and Kenya (Ms. Karimi Kinoti) provided comments under the rubric "Ecumenical challenges to the churches". Inputs concluded with comments by Dr. Konrad Raiser on " A response from the ecumenical movement to contemporary challenges" on the last day of the consultation. Based on Prof. Ninan's paper, the group reflected on and acknowledged the formation of an empire-building process by the US in an increasingly uni-polar world. The realignment of geo politics in the world purposefully dominated and manipulated by the US was mentioned. This has led to situations of hegemony reminiscent of empire-building that, though the world has seen many times before in her history, is happening for the first time after the birth of the ecumenical movement post WW II. This has put the ecumenical movement in new and dangerous waters. At the same time, we are undergoing drastic changes in our understanding, rather manifestation, of the true meaning of the word oikumene, where ecumenism is being seen in light of unity with, and including, people of other faith and even no faith. These dual realities of an expanding ecumenism and empire-formation challenge the ecumenical movement at the beginning of this century. Based on the backdrop provided above, the important outcomes from the consultation may be summarized as follows: 1. There is an urgent need from significant theological work on church and empire. The ecumenical movement lacks the language to communicate with her churches on issue of justice and resistance. There has to be deeper reflection in terms of the social, political, and economic analysis of the contemporary realities. Such a reflection should also be a dialogue with the agencies, institutions, and other movements in order to have a common analysis and common strategies. We also need to promote "Dialogue of civilizations". 2. There should be initiatives towards an Ecumenical Social Forum, which consolidates and links the various social movements around the world. Such a forum should encourage churches also to be actively involved in social movements. In times where the sovereignty of many national governments has been surrendered to TNCs and international monetary institutions, social movements/peoples movements play a crucial role as pressure groups. Churches should build and support such pressure groups. As a practical suggestion, a list of relevant social groups can be compiled from around the globe and brought in contact with each other through national social forums, regional social forums (like the Asian Social Forum), or global social forums (like the WSF). Such inter linking facilitates stories to be shared, strengthens the individual movements in their resolves, and importantly provides joint action when demanded. 3. There needs to be better coordination and relations in the efforts of the ecumenical movement at the national, regional, and international level while dealing with common challenges. In other words, there is a need for a clear linking in analysis and action with regional and national actors by the World Council. Such a cooperative and de-centralized model is important to counter the hegemonic forces of today. Such a model strengthens the indigenous knowledge and is in support of the many alternatives out there. Along with facilitating local alternatives, the ecumenical movement should also strive to develop applicable national and regional alternatives. 4. Finally, the work of the ecumenical movement needs to have an intentional inter-faith, inter-religious dialogue. Rather we need to proceed from dialogue to joint action/partnership where possible. Especially in times of turmoil, we need to promote "dialogues of civilizations". The churches, and their ecumenical movement, have a chance to take a stand. Justice and unity are important. However, in times where a prophetic vision is required, justice needs to take precedence. Our unity is for our witness. Hence a unity without witness is not justified. posted by Anonymous on Friday, May 16, 2003 |
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