Monday, February 26, 2024

WCC NEWS: Joint Working Group with Roman Catholic Church deepens dialogue, strengthens cooperation

Bringing together representatives from the Roman Catholic Church and the World Council of Churches (WCC), the Joint Working Group between the WCC and the Roman Catholic Church met online on 21 February for its first executive meeting.
18 October 2018, Rome, Italy: Saint Peter's Basilica, Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC
26 February 2024

Participants of the meeting included H.E. Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, co-moderator of the Joint Working Group for WCC, and Bishop Dr Thomas Edward Dowd, co-moderator of the Joint Working Group for the Roman Catholic Church. Joining from the WCC were Prof. Dr Vasile-Octavian Mihoc, co-secretary of the group, Prof. Dr Andrej Jeftic, and Very Rev. Dr Yvette Maud Noble Bloomfield. Representing the Roman Catholic Church were Fr Dr Andrzej Choromanski, co-secretary of the group, Bishop Dr Brian Farrell, and Monsignor Dr Juan Usma Gรณmez.

The primary objectives of the meeting were to facilitate a deeper understanding among participants through personal introductions, as well as sharing insights into their respective work and ministries. Continuing participants reflected on the recent history of the Joint Working Group. 

The meeting also included updates on recent activities of the parent bodies, ensuring participants were informed about ongoing initiatives and priorities. Core discussions centered on the future work of the group, which also approved the Terms of Reference 2024-2030, which will guide the work of the current mandate. 

This focused collaboration underscores the commitment of both the Roman Catholic Church and the World Council of Churches to advancing shared objectives through the Joint Working Group.

Decisions were made regarding the date, venue, and draft agenda of the first plenary session, which will take place at Bossey, Switzerland, between 2-6 September. 

Established by mutual agreement in 1965, the Joint Working Group between the World Council of Churches and the Roman Catholic Church serves as a consultative body to promote dialogue and cooperation between the two partners. This collaboration recognizes the unique potential of joint efforts in addressing important theological, social, and ethical issues facing the world today.

Learn more about the Joint Working Group with the Roman Catholic Church

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The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa.

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