24 April 2018, Bogotá, Colombia: Welcome by local Colombian churches on opening day. The Global Christian Forum gathers in Bogotá on 24-27 April 2018 under the theme of
An important platform of relationship and trust building
(LWI) The third global gathering of the Global Christian Forum (GCF) has begun in Bogotá, Colombia. This is the first global gathering of the GCF in the Americas and the first in a Spanish-speaking nation. The theme of the meeting is “Let mutual love continue” which is taken from the epistle to the Hebrews (Heb.13:1).
“To be Lutheran is to be ecumenical. The Global Christian Forum is an important platform of relationship and trust building,” said LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Martin Junge, who is participating in the meeting together with Assistant General Secretary for Ecumenical Relations Rev. Dr Kaisamari Hintikka. “It includes denominations and communion that are outside our usual ecumenical networks. Thus it provides a good opportunity to listen and understand and prayerfully discern what God is doing in the world.”
To be Lutheran is to be ecumenical. The Global Christian Forum is an important platform of relationship and trust building.
The gathering of the Global Christian Forum represents a broad expression of world Christianity, with leaders coming from all streams of the Christian faith. It includes “African Independent, Anglican, Catholic, Evangelical, holiness, independent, mega, Orthodox, Pentecostal and Protestant churches,” a press release from the opening day reads.
The Global Christian Forum is a platform for Christian faith across traditions, “but it does not seek to be an organization or to replace other ecclesial bodies. It is not a decision-making body but seeks to draw leaders together providing a space for discussion and prayer that mutual love will continue,” the press release continues. One goal of the meeting is to come to a closer understanding and joining hands in addressing common challenges.
Participation is based on a 50/50 ratio between leaders from church traditions, like the Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant churches, and newer churches, such as Evangelical, Pentecostal, and independent. Lutheran church leaders from several LWF member churches are participating.
