World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay delivered a keynote lecture at the Tenth Congress of Asian Theologians, being held 24-29 October inKuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Titled “The Echoes of Nicaea and the Path Forward,” the lecture also expressed appreciation for the invaluable contributions Asian churches and theologians have made and continue to make to the Christian faith. “Your contributions reflect the richness of diversity and the deep theological heritage that Asia offers to the global Christian landscape,” he said. The theme of the gathering is“Echoes of Nicaea: Enduring Faith and Embracing Unity,” which Pillay said “speaks not only to the historical significance of the Council of Nicaea but to its ongoing relevance in shaping our faith, our witness, and our ecumenical journey together.” He added: “I am so pleased to see you reflecting on the Nicene Creed and its historical, doctrinal and contemporary relevance in the Asian context.” Pillay described how the World Council of Churches is placing significant focus on commemorating the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. “In this regard, a number of activities across WCC programs will engage with the very questions you are addressing at your own conference,” he said. “Additionally, we are also commemorating the centenary of the Stockholm Conference on Life and Work, alongside other important ecumenical jubilees.” The WCC has designated 2025 as a Special Ecumenical Year, offering an opportunity to revisit the original impulses that have shaped the common calling as a fellowship of churches. “In this context, I invite us today to explore what the Council of Nicaea is inviting us to think, discern, and do as we reflect on its ecumenical relevance,” said Pillay. “How do its lessons speak to our journey toward visible unity? How do they inspire our commitment to justice?” Nicaea offers us more than a doctrinal legacy, he noted. “To my mind, it confronts us with five critical invitations: to live out our faith in action, to journey together towards unity as a conciliar fellowship, to offer visible signs of unity through common celebrations, to pursue justice as an integral part of that journey, and to decolonize our communities and realities.” Read the full lecture: Echoes of Nicaea: Enduring Faith and Embracing Unity SOURCE>WCC |