Society

Mother See was represented at the World Council of Churches meeting in Geneva

The World Council of Churches (WCC) Central Committee convened their 64th meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, on 02 July. With the blessings of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; His Eminence Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Diocesan Legate and Ecumenical Officer of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America; and Ms. Paula Der Matoian, Director of Internet Development and Social Media at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin; are serving as members of the Central Committee, representing the Armenian Church. His Grace Bishop Nareg Alemezian, and Ms. Teny Perri-Simonian are members representing the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia.

At the 10th Assembly of the WCC, held in Busan Korea in November 2013, His Holiness Karekin II was elected to serve as one of the 8 world Presidents of the WCC.

During the Opening Prayer of the Central Committee meeting, His Eminence Archbishop Aghan Baliozian of blessed memory, was recalled in memoriam, with prayers for him and those involved in the ecumenical movement who have passed away since the last WCC Central Committee meeting.

One of the first agenda items of the 7 day meeting was the approval of the leadership for the standing committees for the next 8 years, as well as the designation of membership. By unanimous consensus, Archbishop Vicken, based on his long-term experience and active involvement in the ecumenical movement, will serve as the Moderator of the Finance Policy Committee, and Ms. Der Matoian will serve as a member of the Governance and Nominations Committee. The Finance Policy Committee is one of the two most important committees of the WCC, and Archbishop Vicken will also serve as an ex-officio member of the Executive Committee.

The Unity Statement adopted by the WCC in November 2013, called on the Churches to “…intensify our work for justice, peace, and the healing of creation, and address together the complex challenges of contemporary social, economic and moral issues…” Agenda items for the Central Committee meeting revolve around the theme of Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace, and include discussions on: Unity of the Churches, Climate Change, Economic Justice, and Sharing of Resources. The meetings will conclude on July 9th.

Show More
Back to top button