An Orthodox view on ecumenism and globalisation highlighted the second day of the World Council of Churches’ Conference on World Mission and Evangelism in Athens.

Dr Athanasios P. Papathanasiou, professor in the Higher Ecclesiastical School of Athens, rejected the two often used characterisations of globalisation and post modernity.

"Avoiding the simplistic interpretations which see globalisation and post-modernity only as a melting-pot or, on the contrary, only as an inevitable clash of civilisations, we are called to see the present state of affairs as an occasion for critical creativity," Papathanasiou said in a presentation to the plenary on 10 May.

To the Orthodox leader, life is a "conversation to the Trinitarian mode of existence" that can only be viewed when "paired with relationship."

Therefore, Papathanasiou encouraged church and mission bodies to understand the "authentic experience" by realising that "otherness is not something parallel or opposite to [one’s own] identity." He said otherness may be a mere element in relationships in respect to the ecumenical movement.

To view the full text of the statement, visit: www.mission2005.org.





Theresa Kavenga
Christian Today Correspondent