Annual Meeting of the Global Christian Forum International Committee

A two-day online meeting of the International Committee of the Global Christian Forum (GCF) was held on 22-23 February 2021. The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity was represented by Reverend Andrzej Choromanski, staff member responsible for multilateral relations. The agenda included time of prayer, review of the activities of the Forum during the COVID-19 pandemic, discussion on selected themes introduced by invited speakers, reflection on current challenges facing the churches and the ecumenical movement, as well as planning for upcoming GCF initiatives. Themes proposed as priorities for the future of the Forum included among others promoting regional forum-like events, fostering youth participation in GCF initiatives, and planning for the fourth GCF Global Gathering envisaged for 2024. Time was set aside to express the Committee’s gratitude to two leaving members and to welcome the new communications staff. A narrative report was issued at the end of the meeting.

The Global Christian Forum is a unique gathering of Christian churches and organisations bringing together all the major streams of world Christianity. Based on the principle of participation rather than formal membership, GCF is an “open space” where Christian leaders meet periodically to nurture unity by fostering mutual respect and understanding as well as by addressing together common challenges. Crucial to its meetings is a balanced participation of representatives from “historic churches” and “new churches”. Its distinguishing mark is the practice of sharing faith stories, either personal or ecclesial, during meetings. The Committee currently comprises 25 members. The GCF secretary is Reverend Dr Casely Essamuah (since 2018).

Suorce: christianunity.va/