Welcomed by African churches, the World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee, held its opening prayer on 18 June, beginning a meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa that will run through 24 June.
The service brought Africa voices to the forefront. In a sermon entitled "The Courage to Love," Rev. Dr Jennifer S. Leath, from the African Methodist Episcopal Church, explored how people of faith can have courage to love, even in a world full of injustice, conflict, and suffering.
"We have enemies – and we must love them, but they cannot deter us from this work or determine an alternative agenda and, at last, they are not more powerful than us," said Leath. "Faith-powered courage closes the distance between 'congratulations' and manifestations of the liberating promises Jesus articulates for those who are suffering here on earth."
Faith-powered courage is the order of the day, urged Leath. "With this courage we make room for enemies to become friends, even as we have become and are yet becoming friends of God," she said.
All Africa Conference of Churches general secretary Dr Fidon Mwombeki offered a greeting to the WCC governing body. "Welcome to Africa, where the churches are full of joy and vitality," he said. "Now we celebrate the gospel together with the whole church of God in the world, and I say we really celebrate—but we do so with passion and compassion."
He reflected on the many actions the love of Christ completes us to do. "The love of Christ compels us to work for peace," he said. "The love of christ compels us to be faithful stewards of God's creation."
Rev. Mzwandile Molo, general secretary of the South African Council of Churches, said he hoped that the WCC central committee members would consider Africa as their home.
"It is your home because the people of this area expressed their humanity by acknowledging the connection of all humanity," he said. "You come because you know we are all created in the image of God. You come because you know you carry the wounds of those in the margins of society in your own countries."
The opening prayer of the WCC governing body also included a memorial reading of names of people in the ecumenical family who have passed away since the last meeting of the central committee. Those gathered thanked God for the faithful disciples of every generation and for the communion of saints that transcends time and space.
"We rejoice in their wisdom, knowledge and many gifts, and their unswerving commitment to unity," said the central committee. "We celebrate their hope and confidence that you will bring to fulfillment what you began in Jesus Christ. We celebrate their commitment to live and die in your service."
The WCC central committee meeting will be live-streamed from 18-21 June, and then again on 23 June, from 8:30 am to 12:30 South Africa Standard Time.
A landing page provides a framework agenda, descriptions of the WCC constitution and rules, information and the consensus decision making process, and media accreditation applications.
Originally from the World Council of Churches
CCD reprinted with permission
