Mission as Reconciliation and Healing
The theme of our conference is longer than most: "'Come Holy Spirit, Heal and Reconcile!' Called in Christ to be healing and reconciling communities." Some observers have seen it as two distinct themes, but once again the ecumenical movement discerns an underlying unity in diversity.
"Come Holy Spirit, Heal and Reconcile!" This is a prayer, representative of a spirituality founded on experience of God as healer and source of unity. In this prayer, we express our faith and urge the Holy Spirit to manifest the presence of the Triune God within the life of our conference, and in all our actions and interactions.
"Called in Christ to be healing and reconciling communities" is a modest exercise in ecclesiology. It invites us to begin defining the sort of church that our world needs: a church that bears witness to the gospel in word and deed; a church that is alive in worship and learning; a church that opens its doors to outsiders; a church engaged with those who suffer, and with those who struggle for justice and peace; a church that provides services to all who are in need; a church that is faithful.
In the World Council of Churches, we are also contemplating another theme, another prayer. Next February, the WCC’s Ninth Assembly will gather in Porto Alegre, Brazil to explore the theme, "God, in Your Grace, Transform the World!" This is an intercession that lies at the heart of our missiology. In one form or another, this has always been the theme, the prayer, of Christ’s church in mission: "God, in your grace, transform the world!" We know that it is possible for us to become what we are called to be – the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church – only through the grace of the Triune God. We trust that, through the power of God’s Word and Spirit, the Creation may be redeemed and made new. In healing us as persons created in God’s image, in reconciling us as communities, the Holy Spirit builds us up in love, transforming us into the body of Christ, in order that we may play the part that God has assigned us in the healing, the reconciliation, the transformation of all people, and of the whole Creation.
We have come to Athens, as did the apostle Paul, confident of the presence and guidance of the Spirit. And so we are bold to pray: "Come Holy Spirit, heal and reconcile! ... God, in your grace, transform the world!"
And may Almighty God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, remain with us, now and always. Amen."
