At 70, Why WCC has remained important —Abuom

This year, the World Council of Churches celebrates its 70th anniversary. Dr Agnes Abuom, from the Anglican Church of Kenya, and the moderator of the WCC Central Committee, speaks on her experience as a student leader struggling against injustice in her country and subsequent imprisonment, the experience of the WCC so far, and what the future holds for the global organisation.

 

Can you reflect on the evolution of the WCC in the past 70 years?

The journey of 70 years is one of commemoration, celebration and building on the milestones and lessons for the future. The ecumenical movement has become truly global. Since 1961, issues of unity, mission and justice have become more integrated. The Just Community of Women and Men is increasingly visible in the life of the church, with women assuming leadership roles. Perhaps, the greatest impact on social justice issues was evident through the Programme to Combat Racism (the churches accompanying people in their struggles for freedom in Southern Africa). Another case was the support of human rights in Latin America.

As a convening body, the WCC provided space for churches from former communist and socialist countries to connect with the rest of the world. The Lima document of Faith and Order famously known as: “Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry” was a landmark.

We should also remember the humanitarian work in Europe and reconciliation efforts. WCC was and remains a voice in the public space on matters of socio-economic development. The work on the church of the poor provided a basis for participatory and people-centred development. Thus, WCC held multilateral agencies accountable, including the United Nations.

 

What would you wish for in the coming 40 years?

For the coming 40 years, we must debunk the dominion theology of consumerism that has relegated “mother earth” to an instrument of exploitation by a few individuals driven by the notion of greed. We must embrace global citizenship and a global community, and we must care for one another and the earth for the sake of posterity.  I wish that, for the next 40 years, humanity will acknowledge the pilgrim nature of life and, further, that spirituality will be the bedrock of future generations and not materialism.

I also dream of a world where every man and woman’s dignity will be upheld. A world where every person’s basic needs will be secured. I dream of a world where there will be no racial discrimination, negative ethnicity and xenophobia as well as related violence. Indeed, a world free of sexual and gender violence.

Like Abraham and the people of old, borders will not deny anyone the right to freely move without being profiled. Rather, systems and rule of law will be effective to deal with criminals. I dream of a global world without borders and, at the same time, security for people who want or need to move around.

 

As you meet and talk with youths during your travels, do you see clear differences between their interests?

The bottom line is that I see youths around the world reaching for hope and direction for their destiny. There are a few differences – such as the levels of unemployment and desperation. But, in general, youths are struggling with finding space in our ecclesial bodies, in public space and in defining their destiny. Their response to the challenges is where the difference lies.

 

What should be the outcome of the youth gatherings in 2018?

First, we should empower youths to celebrate icons of the ecumenical movement who, in their youth, left landmarks and on whose shoulders we now stand. These icons should not just be celebrated, but should also be a basis to inspire youth. Second, young people can restore embodied solidarity among themselves as they increasingly are networked globally but not actively connected. Third, we need clarity in discerning the role and direction youths can play in the age of technology and in combating nationalism and xenophobia.

 

What influences shaped you when you were about 20 years old?

The liberation struggle of Southern Africa helped me during the protests organised by National Council of Churches in Kenya. My high school experience in a multi-racial school also influenced me. Limuru Girls’ School opened my eyes to appreciate whites, Indians and Kenyans of other languages and cultures. Finally, my experience as a student leader struggling against injustice in Kenya denied me the opportunity to complete my university education. Of course, imprisonment in 1989 in pursuit of human rights solidified my quest, commitment, and respect for human dignity.

Source: www.oikoumene.org