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Published by
Zenit.org,
June 24, 2005
Alexy II Cautions World Council of Churches |
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Says New Differences Could Thwart Ecumenism
MOSCOW, JUNE 24, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Patriarch
Alexy II of the Russian Orthodox Church cautioned
the World Council of Churches that new
developments in some churches could undermine
ecumenical relations.
The head of the Russian Orthodox Church met with
the secretary-general of the World Council of
Churches (WCC), Samuel Kobia, who visited Moscow
with a delegation from June 18-24, reported a
statement of the council.
The patriarch expressed gratitude for actions of
"authentic Christian solidarity" by the ecumenical
organization during the Soviet period, and
emphasized how membership in the council had
helped the Orthodox Church endure a period of
isolation and persecution.
"We recall with gratitude those who were in the
leadership of the council at that time. They
trusted us, and supported our Church. We remember
this authentic Christian solidarity," he said.
New developments
The patriarch also noted new obstacles facing
Christian unity, caused by a "free interpretation"
of principles of Christian morality. "We see
growing divergences in the teaching and practice
of Church life. But we should continue the road of
collaboration which we have together followed for
decades," he stated.
Patriarch Alexy II pointed out that the Russian
Orthodox Church shares the WCC's serious concern
regarding the growth of religious extremism and
violence in the world. "Any crime in the name of
religion is a crime against religion," he stated.
"War is evil and can only be overcome by our
common efforts."
The patriarch expressed the Russian Church's
desire to collaborate with WCC work, notably in
the areas of peacemaking, interreligious dialogue,
and the protection of creation.
Kobia presented an overview of the WCC's main
priorities and issues facing churches and the
ecumenical movement. The discussion covered
concerns for religious freedom and tolerance in
Russia, developments in world Christianity, and
the renewed focus on spirituality in ecumenical
life.
For his first official visit to the largest WCC
member church, the WCC secretary-general was
accompanied by Archbishop Nifon of Targoviste
(Romanian Orthodox Church), Dr. Mary Tanner
(Church of England), Dr. Robert Welsh, (Christian
Church, Disciples of Christ, USA), and WCC deputy
secretary-general Georges Lemopoulos.
A Pentecost
During the WCC delegation's time in Moscow, visits
were scheduled to several spiritual, social and
educational centers, including the Moscow
Theological Academy, the St. Tikhon's Orthodox
University, where the members met students and
faculty, and saw the social work of the St.
Dimitri Sisterhood allowing them to witness the
revival of these institutions.
Commenting on the "extraordinary history of
transformation and growth" which the visitors had
witnessed, the WCC general secretary underlined
that "after difficult years of martyrdom and
persecution, the Church has lived a concrete
experience of Pentecost."
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