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Documents of the WCC Commission on Faith and Order

Documents of the World Council of Churches Commission on Faith and Order

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Title EffectiveDate document_type Description
Worship and background material for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2021 09 April 2020 Liturgical text The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in 2021 was prepared by the Monastic Community of Grandchamp. The theme that was chosen, “Abide in my love and you shall bear much fruit”, is based on John 15:1-17 and expresses Grandchamp Community’s vocation to prayer, reconciliation and unity in the church and the human family.
Worship and background material for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2020 12 September 2019 Liturgical text
Report of Rev. Dr Susan Durber, Faith and Order Moderator, to Faith and Order Commission, Nanjing, China, June 2019 25 June 2019 The World Council of Churches (WCC) Faith and Order Commission held a meeting 12-19 June 2019, in Nanjing, China. Hosted by the China Christian Council, the commission met to discuss and make decisions about the results of the work of its three study groups on ecclesiology, moral discernment and the pilgrimage of justice and peace. The venue of the meeting raised awareness on important ecclesiological issues in the hosting country.
Report of Rev. Dr Odair Pedroso Mateus, Faith and Order Director, to Faith and Order Commission, Nanjing, June 2019, China 24 June 2019 The World Council of Churches (WCC) Faith and Order Commission held a meeting 12-19 June 2019, in Nanjing, China. Hosted by the China Christian Council, the commission met to discuss and make decisions about the results of the work of its three study groups on ecclesiology, moral discernment and the pilgrimage of justice and peace. The venue of the meeting raised awareness on important ecclesiological issues in the hosting country.
TCTCV, Chinese translation 14 February 2019 Background document The Church: Towards a Common Vision, Chinese translation
Worship and background material for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2019 27 June 2018 Liturgical text The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2019 has been prepared by Christians from Indonesia. With a population of 265 million, 86% of whom are reckoned to be Muslim, Indonesia is well known as having the largest Muslim population of any country. However, about 10% of Indonesians are Christian from various traditions. In terms of both population and the vast extension of the country Indonesia is the biggest nation in South East Asia.
Worship and background material for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2018 03 April 2017 Liturgical text The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2019 has been prepared by Christians from Indonesia. With a population of 265 million, 86% of whom are reckoned to be Muslim, Indonesia is well known as having the largest Muslim population of any country. However, about 10% of Indonesians are Christian from various traditions. In terms of both population and the vast extension of the country Indonesia is the biggest nation in South East Asia. The nation is founded on five principles called Pancasila, with the motto Bhineka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity). Across the diversity of ethnicity, language and religion, Indonesians have lived by the principle of gotong royong which is to live in solidarity and by collaboration. This always fragile harmony is today threatened in new ways. Much of the economic growth that Indonesia has experienced in recent decades has been built on a system that has competition at its heart. This is in stark contrast to the collaboration of gotong royong. Corruption is experienced in many forms. It infects politics and business, often with devastating consequences for the environment. In particular, corruption undermines justice and the implementation of law. Moved by these concerns, the Christians of Indonesia found that the words of Deuteronomy, “Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue ...” (see Deut. 16:18-20) spoke powerfully to their situation and needs. Before the people of God enter the land God has promised them they renew their commitment to the Covenant God established with them.
Faith and Order publications list 04 May 2016 Background document Official numbered publications of the WCC Commission on Faith and Order
Worship and background material for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2017 29 January 2016 Liturgical text It was in the context of the Reformation Anniversary that the Council of Churches in Germany took up the work of creating the resources for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2017. It quickly became clear that the materials for this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity would need to have two accents: on the one hand, there should be a celebration of God’s love and grace, the “justification of humanity through grace alone”, reflecting the main concern of the churches marked by Martin Luther’s Reformation. On the other hand, the materials should also recognize the pain of the subsequent deep divisions which afflicted the Church, openly name the guilt, and offer an opportunity to take steps toward reconciliation. Ultimately it was Pope Francis’ 2013 Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (“The Joy of the Gospel”) which provided the theme for this year, when it used the quote: “The Love of Christ Compels Us” (Paragraph 9). With this scripture (2 Cor 5:14), taken in the context of the entire fifth chapter of the second letter to the Corinthians, the German committee formulated the theme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2017.
Minutes of the Meeting at the Monastery of Caraiman 01 December 2015 Minutes Faith and Order Paper No. 222
Worship and background material for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2016 03 March 2015 Liturgical text The calling shared by all the baptized to proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord forms the theme of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity for 2016. Inspired by two verses from the First Letter of St Peter, members of different churches in Latvia prepared the resources for the week.
Communiqué: Called to Dialogue 16 May 2014 Report Communiqué on ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue in conversation, produced at a meeting organized by the WCC’s Commission on Faith and Order and the WCC programme for inter-religious dialogue and cooperation, from 12 to 14 May 2014
Worship and background material for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2015 15 April 2014 Liturgical text Jointly prepared and published by the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity and the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2015 is rooted in the experience of the churches in Brazil.
2014 Worship and background material 31 May 2013 Liturgical text Brochure for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2014 jointly prepared and published by the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity and the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches.
The Church: Towards a Common Vision 06 March 2013 Study document What can we say together about the Church of the Triune God in order to grow in communion, to struggle together for justice and peace in the world, and to overcome together our past and present divisions? The Church: Towards a Common Vision a remarkable answer to this question. Produced by theologians from the widest range of Christian traditions and cultures, The Church addresses first the Church’s mission, unity, and its being in the Trinitarian life of God. It then addresses our growth in communion – in apostolic faith, sacramental life, and ministry – as churches called to live in and for the world.
International Dialogues in Dialogue: Context and Reception. Tenth Forum on Bilateral Dialogues, 2012 01 May 2012 Meeting for the first time outside Europe, the tenth Forum on Bilateral Dialogues met in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in March 2012. Following the recommendations on the reception of ecumenical texts from the ninth forum, the meeting in Dar Es Salaam gave special attention to the reception of the achievements of the bilateral dialogues in the Global South. Its recommendations urge the international theological dialogues to be more intentional about questions of membership, methodology, and theological questions about Christian unity that emerge from the variety of contexts in the South.
2013 Worship and background material 24 April 2012 Liturgical text Annual brochure for the Week of prayer for Christian unity jointly prepared and published by the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity and the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches.
One Baptism: Towards Mutual Recognition 25 June 2011 Study document One Baptism: Towards Mutual Recognition is an official study text of the Commission on Faith and Order. It is a further development and explication of the insights of Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry. It links questions of Christian initiation with ecclesiology, mutual recognition of baptism, and the basic bonds of Christian unity. The study text also deals with ongoing and more recent issues that prevent mutual recognition of baptism that impede the visible unity of the Church in one faith and in one eucharistic fellowship.
2012 Worship and background material 23 March 2011 Liturgical text Annual brochure for the Week of prayer for Christian unity jointly prepared and published by the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity and the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches.
2011 Worship and background material 17 March 2010 Liturgical text Annual brochure for the Week of prayer for Christian unity jointly prepared and published by the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity and the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches.
The Nature and Mission of the Church - Presentation by Rev. Prof. Viorel Ionita 13 October 2009 Study document The Porto Alegre statement «Called to be the One Church», with all the reactions from the churches to it, should be used to help Faith and Order Commission develop The Nature and Mission of the Church into a common statement, proposes the Very Rev. Prof. Dr Viorel Ionita in his contribution to the discussion on the future of the study "The Nature and Mission of the Church".
The Nature and Mission of the Church - Presentation by Rev. Dr Paul Collins 13 October 2009 L The development of a method which explores the inter-play between different ways of constructing doctrine could be used to seek a resolution of Church-dividing issues, proposes Rev. Dr Paul Collins in his contribution to the discussion on the future of the study "The Nature and Mission of the Church".
The Nature and Mission of the Church - Presentation by Rev. Dr Hermen Shastri 13 October 2009 L Consensus on ecclesiology is central to the future of theological ecumenism, says Rev. Dr Hermen Shastri in his contribution to the discussion on the future of the study "The Nature and Mission of the Church".
The Nature and Mission of the Church - Presentation by Metropolitan Geevarghese Coorilos 13 October 2009 The NMC document is appreciated for its philosophical imagination, but it needs to be complimented with sociological and poetic imaginations where the text (the Word) takes on flesh and enters the realm of the pain and pathos that the poor and their earth endure, argues Metropolitan Geevarghese Coorilos.
The Nature and Mission of the Church - Presentation by Fr Jorge A. Scampini 13 October 2009 L Fr Jorge A. Scampini emphasizes that theological reflection on the church only becomes meaningful if it leads to a renew of church life, to a widened horizon of the church's mission, and to a contribution of all church activities to making the mystery of its Lord more visible in the eyes of the world.
Tradition and traditions - Rev. Dr Susan Durber 10 October 2009 L "The teachers and witnesses of the early Church: a common source of authority, variously received? Introduction and report from a co-moderator" is the title of this brief presentation on Tradition and traditions by the Rev. Susan Durber.
Tradition and traditions - Archimandrite Cyril Hovorun 10 October 2009 L "Teachers and Witnesses of the Church: space for ecumenical convergence" is the title of this brief presentation on Tradition and traditions by Archimandrite Dr Cyril Hovorun.
Called to be the One Church - Presentation by Prof. Maake Masango 09 October 2009 L Prof. Maake J. Masango addresses the main theme of the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting, Called to be the One Church, as a witness of the union of Presbyterian Churches in the context of apartheid.
Called to be the One Church - Presentation by Metropolitan Gennadios of Sassima 09 October 2009
Called to be the One Church - Presentation by Sister Maria Ko Ha Fong 09 October 2009 L Sister Maria Ko Ha Fong addresses the main theme of the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting, Called to be the One Church, from an intercultural perspective.
Called to be the One Church - Presentation by Rev. Dr Marianela de la Paz Cot 09 October 2009 L Rev. Dr Marianela de la Paz Cot addresses the main theme of the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting, Called to be the One Church, from the perspective of a medical doctor and an Episcopal theologian from Cuba.
Called to be the One Church - Presentation by Dr Minna Hietamäki 09 October 2009 Lecture - Speech Dr Minna Hietamäki addresses the main theme of the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting, Called to be the One Church, from the perspective of a younger Lutheran theologian from Finland.
Report of the 2009 plenary commission meeting 09 October 2009 Report In the spirit of the 2006 WCC Assembly's statement on ecclesiology, «Called to be the One Church», the 120 members of the Commission on Faith and Order, along with 37 guests, consultants and younger theologians gathered on the island of Crete in Greece, 7-13 October 2009.
A view from the past 09 October 2009 L WCC president from Europe Dr Mary Tanner encourages participants at the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting to engage in what she affirms could be the beginning of a new phase in Faith and Order's history.
Moderator's report 09 October 2009 R Report by the Faith and Order Plenary Commission moderator Metropolitan Vasilios of Constantias-Ammochostos.
Director's report 09 October 2009 R Report of the WCC director of Faith and Order Canon Dr John Gibaut
What is Faith and Order? (Mary Tanner) 11 August 2009 B Tanner discusses Faith and Order as a movement, as a Commission, as an agenda, as a method, and as a commitment to the future.
2010 Worship and background material 18 March 2009 Liturgical text You are witnesses of these things. Luke 24 : 48 (NRSV)
UNAW Report 2008 Annex III 23 January 2009 Report United Nations Advocacy Week 2008 speaker presentations: Migration, WCC UN reception address: Nicaraguan ambassador H.E. Maria Rubiales de Chamorro, UNAW closing high-level address: Assistant Secretary-General Dr Robert Or
Many ways to Christian unity? The Ninth Forum on Bilateral Dialogues, 2008 01 December 2008 Bilateral dialogues are official talks between two Christian churches or families of churches (often known as Christian World Communions, CWCs). They aim at overcoming inherited divergences often related to doctrine and church order, so that the two partners in dialogue may move to declaring that they are in fellowship. The proliferation of bilateral dialogues as from the 1960s has led to the creation of the Forum on Bilateral Dialogues. The Forum provides space and time for CWCs engaged in bilateral dialogues to exchange information, consult together on emerging issues and trends and reflect on the coherence and integrity of the dialogues. The ninth such forum was held in Breklum, Germany, 10-15 March 2008.
Cambridge report on Tradition and traditions 06 September 2008 R Twenty four participants gathered at Westminster College in Cambridge to engage in the first of a series of consultations under the title of Tradition and traditions. The aim of the meeting was to build on the work begun by the WCC in the 1960s and, by paying particular attention to the teachers and witnesses of the early church, to explore further the possibility of discovering, re-discovering or re-receiving some particular sources of authority which might help us together on the way to the unity of the church.
2009 Worship and background material 01 January 2008 Liturgical text Jointly prepared and published by the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity and the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2009 is rooted in the experience of the churches in Korea. In their context of national division the churches have turned for inspiration to the prophet Ezekiel, who also lived in a tragically divided nation and longed for the unity of his people.
A theological reflection on cruelty - the ugly face of violence 01 January 2008 Exploring responses in faith to institutionally and structurally embedded cruelty was the purpose of the theological consultation on cruelty that took place in Puidoux, Switzerland during December 5-8, 2006. Organized by the WCC and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), this gathering focused on cultures, traditions as well as social, economical and political structures that are themselves cruel, as well as creating an ethos that "enables" people to become cruel. Twelve case studies from different contexts and perspectives provided the basis for the debate. Some of these are about racism, casteism, patriarchy, xenophobia, terrorism and counter-terrorism, torture of prisoners, genocide, rape and sex trafficking, and occupation. Papers from this consultation will be published in 2008.
Worship and background material 01 January 2008 Liturgical text Jointly prepared and published by the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity and the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches. This year's theme for the week of prayer was chosen in the USA. The initial draft of material represents the working relationship between the Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute, the NCCCUSA, the USCCB and the Interchurch Center in their annual efforts in the United States to promote the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. All those involved have taken special note of the 100th anniversary of the Church Unity Octave first observed at Graymoor, in Garrison, New York, from 18-25 January 1908. The preparation of the theme and texts celebrate the history of 100 years of prayer while calling for a reinvigoration of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, hence the theme, ‘Pray without ceasing'.
Frequently asked questions about the date of Easter 31 January 2007 A In 2007 Christians from all traditions will celebrate Easter on the same day, April 8. But in many years major Christian traditions celebrate Easter on different dates, thus giving the impression of a divided witness to this fundamental aspect of the Christian faith. In recent years the desire to find a common date for the celebration of Easter, the Holy Pascha, the feast of Christ's resurrection, has become more and urgent. Initiatives by the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches have urged churches to address this issue. This page seeks to provide some answers to frequent questions asked about the date of Easter.
Called to be the One Church (The Porto Alegre Ecclesiology Text) 23 February 2006 Study document Called to be the One Church (The Porto Alegre Ecclesiology Text) This concise text (about 2,300 words) was adopted by WCC member churches at the Porto Alegre Assembly (February, 2006) as a basis for their renewed commitment to the search for visible unity. It invites the churches into a renewed conversation - mutually supportive, yet open and searching - about the quality of their fellowship and communion, and about the issues which still divide them. WCC member churches are asked to respond officially to the text by the next WCC Assembly; study groups and individuals are also invited to offer comments and reactions.
Participating in God's Mission of Reconciliation - A Resource for Churches in Situations of Conflict 31 December 2005 This text (Faith and Order Paper no. 201) results from the study on Ethnic Identity, National Identity, and the Search for the Unity of the Church done by Faith and Order with the collaboration of the WCC's Justice, Peace and Creation team. It offers resources for churches in situations of tension or conflict, especially where ethnic and national tensions are major factors, and suggests how Christian unity can further the churches' witness for reconciliation and justice.
The Nature and Mission of the Church - A Stage on the Way to a Common Statement 15 December 2005 This extended text (about 18,000 words) was published in December 2005 and is the latest result from Faith and Order's study on Ecclesiology. It seeks to express common convictions about the church, its nature and mission, and to identify the ecclesiological issues which continue to divide the churches today. The text has been sent officially to the churches for evaluation and response; study groups and individuals are also invited to offer comments and reactions. This text replaces the previous study document The Nature and Purpose of the Church (Faith and Order Paper no. 181, issued in 1998).
Celebrations of the Eucharist in Ecumenical Contexts - A Proposal 21 June 2005 S In this unofficial text a number of liturgists, theologians and pastors propose, on their own initiative and responsibility, guidelines for those engaged in planning eucharistic worship to be held in an ecumenical context. The text was produced by a working group at a consultation held by Faith and Order and the Ecumenical Institute, Bossey to reflect on the churches' 10 years experience in using the unofficial "Lima Liturgy".
Realizing mutuality and interdependence in a world of diverse identities 01 June 2005 A group of 20 theologians and peace activists from regions which have come to be known for violent conflict arising from the aggressive assertion of identities - Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Philippines, DR Congo, Nigeria, Middle East, Eastern Europe - participated in this consultation in June 2005. They attempted to identify the problems in, and prospects for, realizing mutuality and interdependence in contexts of diverse identities in an effort to challenge the churches to consider this as a contribution to the wider movement for peace during the Decade Overcome Violence.
Affirming human dignity, rights of peoples and the integrity of creation - Rwanda, 2004 01 June 2005 As part of the WCC's work on the Decade , this theological consultation, organized by WCC Faith and Order in Kigali, Rwanda (4-9 December 2004), was an attempt to discern what human dignity, rights of peoples and the integrity of creation mean for churches and the ecumenical movement as they attempt to counter the reality of massive abuse and destruction of life and its legitimization in the world today. It was also an attempt to do theology informed by the perspectives and experiences of the victims of violence.
Reflections on the international use of power by the United States government 01 January 2005 This paper was prepared in response to the US DOV Committee's invitation to members of US churches to select one of the four themes of the Decade and to reflect on it.
Christian Perspectives on Theological Anthropology 01 January 2005 This text, resulting from the Faith and Order study on Theological Anthropology, explores contemporary challenges to the traditional understanding of humanity as "made in the image of God". It concludes with 10 Common Affirmations as a basis for the churches common reflection - and action - wherever human value and dignity is challenged.
Message to the churches 06 August 2004 Message Meeting of the Faith and Order Plenary Commission, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2004
Message from the Younger Theologians 06 August 2004 Message Meeting of the Faith and Order Plenary Commission, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2004
Inter-religious dialogue 05 August 2004 Lecture - Speech Presentation at the Faith and Order Plenary 2004, by the Rev. Dr Jacob Kurien, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church
Inter-religious dialogue 05 August 2004 Lecture - Speech Presentation at the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting 2004, by Rev. Prof. S. Mark Heim, American Baptist Churches in the USA
Presentation on Theological Anthropology Study 03 August 2004 Lecture - Speech At the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting, 28 July - 6 August 2004, by Rev. Dr William Tabbernee, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States
Presentation of Hermeneutics study 03 August 2004 Lecture - Speech At the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting 2004, by Dr Pablo Andiñach, Evangelical Methodist Church of Argentina
Presentation on ethnicity nationalism & unity study 02 August 2004 Lecture - Speech At the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting 2004, by Dr Catrin Williams, Presbyterian Church in Wales
Sub-theme III: Ethnic identity, national identity & the search for the unity of the church 02 August 2004 Lecture - Speech Presented at the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting 2004, by Archbishop Dr Makarios of Kenya and Irinoupolis, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria
Bible study: One body with many members 31 July 2004 Sermon Bible study on 1 Corinthians 12,12-14, at the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting 2004 by Prof. Kyung Sook LEE (Methodist Church), Korea
Presentation on Ecclesiology study 31 July 2004 Lecture - Speech At the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting 2004, by Bishop John Hind, Church of England
Presentation on Ecclesiology study 31 July 2004 Lecture - Speech At the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting 2004, by Metropolitan Prof. Dr Gennadios of Sassima, Ecumenical Patriarchate
Sub-theme II: Ecclesiology 31 July 2004 Lecture - Speech Presented at the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting 2004, by the Rev. Prof. Dr Anne Marie Reijnen, United Protestant Church in Belgium
Presentation on Baptism Study 30 July 2004 Lecture - Speech At the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting 2004, by the Rev. Neville CALLAM (Jamaica Baptist Union), Jamaica
Sub-theme I: Baptism 30 July 2004 Lecture - Speech Presented at the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting 2004, by Fr Jorge A. SCAMPINI, OP, Roman Catholic Church
Theme paper, theological 29 July 2004 Lecture - Speech Presented at the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting, 2004, by Fr Frans Bouwen, commission member, Roman Catholic Church
Theme paper, biblical 29 July 2004 Lecture - Speech Presented at the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting, 2004, by the Rev. Dr Judith McKinlay, commission member, Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand
Director's report 28 July 2004 Report Rev. Dr Alan Falconer, former F&O director (Church of Scotland), Scotland
Moderator's report 28 July 2004 Lecture - Speech Report by moderator Rev. Dr David K. Yemba, (United Methodist Church), Zimbabwe, to the Faith and Order Commission
"Jésus nous accueille" 01 July 2004 Liturgical song - music A song inspired by the theme of the Kuala Lumpur meeting (Romans 15:7), composed by Christian Glardon, a Swiss Reformed pastor.
Interrogating and Redefining Power - A theological consultation 01 May 2004 If violence is an exercise of power over the powerless or a retaliation to such, what makes power prone to abuse? Why do people not only fear but also aspire for sources of violent power? Why do some religious traditions view violence as a divine attribute? How is power understood and exercised within our churches? What biblical and theological resources do we have to offer in the search for responsible new ways of understanding and exercising power? Interrogating and redefining power is crucial to our attempts to overcome violence.
Interrogating and Redefining Power - Consultation of Younger Theologians from the South 01 February 2004 Taking place in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in February 2004, its purpose was to explore these theologians' distinct perspectives on power as people whose theology is shaped in contexts of intense struggles for life, justice and liberation.
Religious Plurality and Christian Self-Understanding 01 January 2004 S This unofficial text is the result of a unique collaboration among WCC Interreligious Relations, Mission and Evangelism, and Faith and Order staff, and their respective commissions or advisory bodies. It seeks a new approach to the difficult and controversial issues related to Christian self-understanding in a religiously plural world. The text, which is provisional as it has not been submitted to or adopted by any official WCC body, is shared here as a document for discussion and debate.
Prayer resources for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2004 01 January 2004 Liturgical text We wish to thank all those who have granted permission for the publication of the above prayers on the WCC web site. We have made every effort to trace and identify them correctly and to secure all the necessary permissions for publication.
2003 Worship and background material for the Week of Prayer 01 January 2003 Liturgical text The initial draft of this text was produced by an ecumenical group of biblical scholars, priests, pastors and lay persons in Argentina.
Information release on the 7th International Consultation of United and Uniting Churches 23 September 2002 B This brief text gives general information on the united and uniting churches, their achievements and the special challenges which they face today, as well as background information on their 7th International Consultation.
Message from the 7th International Consultation of United and Uniting Churches, Driebergen, The Netherlands, 2002 19 September 2002 R This text is the report from the most recent international consultation of united and uniting churches. Focusing on issues of unity, mission and identity, this text brings the unique perspective and experience of these churches into dialogue with the wider ecumenical movement.
The gift of a common calendar - vital to mission and witness in secular society 09 April 2001 A In early 2001, the WCC Public Information Team asked knowledgeable representatives of the Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Protestant traditions to give a brief outline of their thinking on a common date for Easter. Metropolitan Ambrosius of Oulu tells of the experiences of an Orthodox minority church in a Protestant country; in Finland "Orthodox and Lutherans have been experiencing the power of the Resurrection at the common date of Easter ever since the early 1920s".
Praying and working toward the common date of Easter: Bringing us closer to the imperative of Christian unity 09 April 2001 A In early 2001, the WCC Public Information Team asked knowledgeable representatives of the Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Protestant traditions to give a brief outline of their thinking on a common date for Easter. Metropolitan Bishoy of Damiette of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Egypt, contributed from the viewpoint of the Oriental Orthodox tradition.
Celebrating together Redemption in Christ 09 April 2001 A In early 2001, the WCC Public Information Team asked knowledgeable representatives of the Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Protestant traditions to give a brief outline of their thinking on a common date for Easter. Monsignor John A. Radano of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity wrote about "Catholic hopes of a common date for Easter".
Celebrating Easter Together 09 April 2001 In early 2001, the WCC Public Information Team asked knowledgeable representatives of the Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Protestant traditions to give a brief outline of their thinking on a common date for Easter. The series began with this article by the Rev. Dr Dagmar Heller, executive secretary for Mission and Ecumenical Relations in North Baden, Evangelical Church in Baden, Germany. As a WCC staff member with the "Faith and Order" team, she had been involved in organizing and accompanying the discussion process on a common date for Easter.
Nurturing Peace, Overcoming Violence: In the way of Christ for the sake of the World 01 January 2001 This text is an invitation to a process of theological study and reflection on Peace, Justice and Reconciliation to be pursued during the Decade to Overcome Violence: Churches Seeking Peace and Reconciliation 2001-2010. It forms a basis for Faith and Order's theological reflection on peace and issues of violence.
(Previous stage) The Nature and Purpose of the Church: A stage on the way to a common statement 01 November 1998 S This text, from the Faith and Order study on Ecclesiology, was issued as Faith and Order Paper no. 181 in 1998. Now superseded by The Nature and Mission of the Church, Faith and Order Paper no. 198, issued in 2005, it is included here to enable comparison of these two texts.
Orthodox liturgical renewal 01 June 1998 R
Faith and Order on women's ordination 01 June 1998 B
A Treasure in Earthen Vessels: An Instrument for an Ecumenical Reflection on Hermeneutics 01 January 1998 Study document This text (Faith and Order Paper No. 182) explores the complex but often creative field of hermeneutics - the interpretation of texts, symbols, and rites - and its role in the search for visible church unity. It invites us to reflect on how we approach and evaluate one another's language and symbols, as a contribution to mutual understanding among Christians and churches.
Towards a Common Date for Easter 10 March 1997 Study document In most years Protestant and Roman Catholic Christians celebrate Easter on one date, and Orthodox Christians on another (the year 2007, and again in 2011, will be an exception). This text, prepared by Faith and Order in collaboration with the Middle East Council of Churches, examines the reasons for this and offers a proposal for reckoning a common date of Easter.
Becoming a Christian: The Ecumenical Implications of Our Common Baptism 24 January 1997 R This is the report from the second consultation in Faith and Order's study programme on worship in relation to Christian unity. Mindful of the importance of the churches' "mutual recognition of baptism" as a basis of the ecumenical movement, the text explores the meaning and structure of the baptismal service, issues raised by the inculturation of baptism, and how baptism determines the nature and practice of Christian ethics.
Costly Unity 01 January 1997 R This text is the fruit of the joint study programme on Ecclesiology and Ethics conducted by Faith and Order and the WCC's Justice, Peace and Creation team. The results of meetings in Rønde, Denmark; Jerusalem, Israel; and Johannesburg, South Africa, they explore how the churches are called to be a community of ethical reflection - and engagement - in today's world.
Costly Obedience 01 January 1997 R This text is the fruit of the joint study programme on Ecclesiology and Ethics conducted by Faith and Order and the WCC's Justice, Peace and Creation team. The results of meetings in Rønde, Denmark; Jerusalem, Israel; and Johannesburg, South Africa, they explore how the churches are called to be a community of ethical reflection - and engagement - in today's world.
Costly Commitment 01 January 1997 R This text is the fruit of the joint study programme on Ecclesiology and Ethics conducted by Faith and Order and the WCC's Justice, Peace and Creation team. The results of meetings in Rønde, Denmark; Jerusalem, Israel; and Johannesburg, South Africa, they explore how the churches are called to be a community of ethical reflection - and engagement - in today's world.
Message from the Plenary Commission Meeting, Moshi, Tanzania, 1996 24 August 1996 M
Report from the Plenary Commision to the churches 24 August 1996 R
Towards Sharing the One Faith 01 January 1996 S Faith and Order's Apostolic Faith study explored the meaning of the Nicene Creed as a basis for the faith of Christians and the churches today. The present text is a study guide to the Nicene Creed and to the Apostolic Faith study itself.
What is Faith and Order? (Günther Gassmann) 11 August 1995 To explore his theme, the author combines a number of elements related to the history, purpose, methodology and content of the Faith and Order Movement and its organizational expression, the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches,
Rome and ecumenism 11 August 1995 B Rev. Fr Jean-Marie Tillard outlines with clarity and élan the history of, and the evolution of perspectives within, the Roman Catholic involvement in ecumenism.
Faith and Order agenda and the African region 11 August 1995 Article - News item David K. Yemba, current moderator of the Faith and Order Commission and Dean of the Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe, discusses the content and reception of Faith and Order work in Africa, and the effect of African churches on the ecumenical movement in general.
F&O: a perspective from the Caribbean 11 August 1995 B Rev. Callam of the Jamaica Baptist Union presents the development of Faith and Order and assesses the appeal and reception of Faith and Order texts in the "two-thirds world".
Faith and Order yesterday, today and tomorrow 11 August 1995 B Metropolitan John (Zizioulas) of Pergamon sets out the context of Faith and Order and proposes some particular challenges emanating from his perspective as a modern Orthodox scholar of church history and theology.
Message from the 6th International Consultation of United and Uniting Churches, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, 1995 01 March 1995 R This text is the report from the penultimate international consultation of united and uniting churches.
So We Believe, So We Pray: Towards Koinonia in Worship (The Ditchingham Letter and Report) 15 August 1994 Report The "Letter to the Churches" and report from the first consultation (held at Ditchingham, England) in Faith and Order's current study programme on worship in relation to Christian unity. Drawing on the resources of the liturgical renewal movement, and produced together with leading liturgists, this text focuses on the common structure of Christian worship, on issues of inculturation in worship, and on how, through worship, churches are already expressing their unity in Christ.
Ditchingham report (Faith and Order) 01 August 1994 S
Message from the Fifth World Conference on Faith and Order, 1993 14 August 1993 M The Fifth World Conference on Faith and Order took place at Santiago de Compostela, Spain, 3 - 14 August 1993, with its theme "Towards Koinonia in Faith, Life and Witness". A comprehensive Report of the Conference will be published towards the end of this year. We now publish the Message and the four Section Reports together with the Discussion Paper prepared for the Conference. The Message and Reports are the most tangible results of the World Conference. However, they represent only one important part of this gathering which was marked by common worship and prayer, Bible study, a great number of papers, plenary discussions, a statement by the younger theologians and the many personal encounters between the participants (about 400 in different categories).
Church and World: The Unity of the Church and the Renewal of Human Community 01 October 1992 Study document This text (Faith and Order Paper no. 151), the result of Faith and Order's study on The Unity of the Church and the Renewal of Human Community, explores the relation between the church's unity and its mission and prophetic witness in the world.
The Unity of the Church: Gift and Calling - The Canberra Statement 20 February 1991 S This text developed by Faith and Order is another of the "unity statements" adopted by WCC Assemblies over the years. It is one attempt to indicate the elements of "full communion" among churches.
Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry (Faith and Order Paper no. 111, the "Lima Text") 15 January 1982 S This famous text, adopted by Faith and Order at its plenary commission meeting in Lima, Peru in 1982, explores the growing agreement - and remaining differences - in fundamental areas of the churches' faith and life. The most widely-distributed and studied ecumenical document, BEM has been a basis for many "mutual recognition" agreements among churches and remains a reference today.
The eucharistic liturgy of Lima 01 January 1982 L The Lima Liturgy is a Eucharistic (Holy Communion) service expressing, in one possible liturgical form, the ecclesiological convergence on the eucharist reached in the Faith and Order text Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry (BEM). It is so named because it was first used at the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting in Lima, Peru in 1982 - the meeting which approved BEM for transmission to the churches for official response.