During his recent visit to Chile over 19-20 November, the World Council of Churches’ (WCC) general secretary, Rev Samuel Kobia commended the valuable contribution that Pentecostal Churches have had towards the ecumenical movement.

At a meeting with various representatives from Chilean Pentecostal churches Kobia said, "Through a new openness to ecumenism, the dynamism and energy of Pentecostalism can significantly enrich the search for unity among Christian churches."

Throughout the gatherings, Kobia was keen to promote the importance of Pentecostal churches, and he highlighted the need for the ecumenical movement’s foundation to be firmly built on solid spirituality.

Kobia also gave mention to the closer relationship that seems to be forming within the Pentecostal churches in Chile. His remarks came with reference to the joint celebration of the 95th anniversary of Chilean Pentecostalism earlier this year.

However, the humble heart of the Chilean representatives was shown as they stated their recognition that a great deal more remained to be achieved by them. One of the participants reported that the in Chile they were a diverse Church, but one that seeks reconciliation under the illumination and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Participants in the meeting praised the WCC Assembly, which was entitled ‘God, in Your Grace, Transform the World’. Kobia’s invitation for all members to join, and the emphasis that he placed on the role of young people during the event were welcomed by participants.

Those who participated in the meeting were: the Pentecostal Mission Church, the Free Pentecostal Mission Church of Chile, three WCC member churches, representatives from the Methodist Pentecostal Church, the Communion of Brothers, the Universal Apostolic Mission, the Ebenezer Pentecostal Church and Filadelfia, and the House of Youth.

During the gathering Rev Kobia also invited the represented churches to participate in the preparation process and in the WCC Assembly, which will be held in Porto Alegre, Brazil in February 2006.