Throughout the session, the image of a cedar tree from the Middle East, embraced and hugged by children from different countries of the world, was present on the main screen. The plenary moderator, Dr Agnes Abuom, WCC central committee moderator, explained how cedar trees are known for their strength and durability. “They remind us of the connections of our lives across generations,” she said.
The main presentations were made by SH.T. Elder Metropolitan Emanuel of Chalcedon, head of the delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. “Together as communities, churches, cities and nations, we must change course and discover new ways of working together to break down traditional barriers between peoples to stop competition for resources and start cooperation,” he said.
Archbishop Angaelos, delegate of the Coptic Orthodox Church, delivered a keynote address on reconciliation and unity in the Middle East.
Angelos compared the roots of a tree to the roots of a church. “Every part of a tree has importance and effectiveness,” he said. “The stronger the roots, the more each part of that tree can express its effectiveness, purpose and function.”
Panelists Bjorn Warde, delegate of the Presbyterian Church of Trinidad and Tobago, and Julia Rensberg, delegate of the Church of Sweden and representative of the Sami Council within the Swedish Church, offered reflections on the assembly’s theme from their perspective and context.
Warde spoke about the reckless exploitation of natural resources in the Caribbean. “The‘I’m listening to the Earth as she screams at us,” he said. “This has emboldened our youth to become instruments of reconciliation for all creation.”
“We indigenous people live on the edge of the climate crisis,” said Reinsberg, who noted how she sees firsthand the climate crisis affecting nature. “Our way of life, our culture and our languages are equally threatened,” she said. “To affirm God‘Love of all creation, we as a global community need to live and protect Mother Earth.”
WCC Assembly – Business Plenary 1 Video
Creation care and climate justice
Live broadcast of the 11th WCC Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany
Photos of the 11th WCC Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany
11th WCC Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany
