|
|
|||
|
|||
|
|
Christian Confrerees Seek to Confront World Concerns NewsMax.com WiresATHENS, Greece -- Christian leaders, theologians and religious activists from around the world gathered Monday for a meeting to assess some of the most serious challenges for the faith, such as growing rifts between churches and African congregations ravaged by AIDS. The conference, organized by the World Council of Churches, is expected to draw more than 500 participants representing nearly every tradition in Christianity from evangelical movements to the Orthodox and Roman Catholic envoys. The six-day meeting formally begins Tuesday at a seaside venue 18 miles northeast of Athens. Story Continues Below The broad agenda reflects the many concerns confronting Christian churches and obstacles to unity. Many are internal differences that have grown more acute in recent years, including sensitive issues such as women's ordination and the role of gay pastors. But the conference may spend the bulk of its energy on problems outside doctrine: efforts for churches to assist AIDS sufferers and prevention work; the rise of radical Islam; and limits by the Chinese government on Christian missionary work. Last month, the World Evangelical Alliance presented the U.N. Commission on Human Rights with an appeal claiming more than 200 million Christians worldwide are being denied religious liberty. The document listed more than a dozen countries including China and several countries in Africa and central Asia. Members of the alliance, which represents conservative Protestant denominations, are expected at the conference. Also participating are top-level delegates from the Vatican, whose anti-condom stance may put it at odds with other religious leaders. AIDS and HIV issues have become priorities for the WCC, a Geneva-based group with more than 350 member Christian churches. The Vatican is not a full member, but collaborates on many WCC panels and initiatives. "AIDS and HIV is a major human tragedy," said Alexander Belopopsky, a WCC spokesman. The WCC also serves as one of the top forums for inter-religious dialogue and other ecumenical efforts. But the conference is not expected to bring any landmark shifts on some of the most complex disputes, including quarrels between Roman Catholics and Orthodox churches over outreach in Eastern Europe. Its chief goal, according to organizers, is to advance discussions on ways to reach greater common ground. "This conference brings together the widest possible constituency," said the Rev. Ruth Bottoms, a Baptist pastor from Britain who serves as the chief moderator for the conference. Other topics that could be raised at the conference include whether new Pope Benedict XVI will seek more substantial contacts with other Christian churches, and ways to energize mainstream churches in the West facing shrinking congregations and competition from non-denominational movements. The last such conference by the WCC was in Brazil in 1996.
© 2005 The Associated Press
Editor's note: |
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
| All Rights Reserved © 2009 NewsMax.Com |