WCC to Shift its Culture and Ethos

One of the main constitutional changes will be in regards to the governance structure. The WCC will try for the time to apply its new governance structure of making consensus the established method of decision making.

By Pauline J. Chang, Christian Post Reporter Sunday, February 13, 2005

The World Council of Churches (WCC), the largest ecumenical alliance of churches, will undergo a “major shift” in its “culture and ethos, according to a statement released on February 10. The specific direction of this ‘major shift” has yet to be determined, as the WCC prepares for its annual Central committee meeting in Geneva.

Much of the weeklong meeting, set to open on February 15, will focus on this shift. The 150-member committee, which serves as the highest governing body between the WCC’s assemblies, will also consider several changes in the WCC constitutions.

One of the main constitutional changes will be in regards to the governance structure. Following a decision made last year, the WCC will try for the time to apply its new governance structure of making consensus the established method of decision making.

The Committee will also discuss plans for the upcoming WCC ninth Assembly, scheduled for February 2006, in Porto Alegre. Human sexuality, including homosexuality, will also be discussed in the viewpoint of ecumenism. Committee members will also review the current debate over a new configuration of the ecumenical movement.

For more information on the WCC or the committee, visit: www.wcc-coe.org.