Question of the future is subject of discussion for World Communion of Reformed Churches

The executive committee of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) has concluded its annual meeting with a call to follow where God is leading. WCRC’s General Secretary, Setri Nyomi reminded the 30 member committee of the importance of following the will of God even if it takes them to places that are not “comfortable zones”.

“We are called to go where God calls,” Nyomi declared. “Are we ready to go even when it is not comfortable?”

Nyomi delivered the message today during a sermon preached at the committee’s closing worship service held in Adenta Evangelical Presbyterian church in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. In a liturgy marked by singing, dancing and drumming, approximately 200 people from local congregations joined members of the executive committee for a service of praise.

WCRC’s executive committee met at the Forest Hotel, Dodowa from 5-17 May to do the business of the global network of churches in 108 countries. The meeting was hosted by WCRC’s two Ghanaian member churches, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana (EPCG) and the Presbyterian Church in Ghana (PCG).

The meeting’s theme – “Our ecumenical vision: Quo imus? (Where are we going?)” –  addressed questions raised among some member churches and global church organizations about the nature of WCRC’s future relations with the World Council of Churches and other ecumenical organizations based in Geneva, Switzerland following relocation of the organization’s international office from Geneva to Hannover, Germany in January 2014.

In discussion of the theme, WCRC affirmed its ongoing commitment to global ecumenism and noted the programmatic and constitutional need to keep office space at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva.

The relocation is intended to save the organization money through decreased staff costs and alleviation of currency conversion concerns related to the high value of the Swiss franc in relation to the Euro and American dollar.

General Treasurer Johann Weusmann told the committee that in 2014 there will not be a significant reduction in staff costs due to overlaps in Geneva and Hannover-based staff. However in 2015, the savings are estimated at CHF180,000.

Plans for 2014 presented to the committee by the Justice and Partnership office include a focus on church response to human trafficking; promotion of respectful, non-violent relations between men and women; and continuing work on proposals for changes to the global financial system.  An “expert panel” of economists, sociologists and theologians has been established to develop principles for a fairer, more equitable system. Their proposals are to be presented to financial institutions and governments.

A report from the Theology, Communion and Mission office outlined plans for an intensive short-term programme for young theologians and newly-ordained clergy to be held in Costa Rica in 2014. Work in the coming year includes a meeting of an international network of theologians. Young theologians will be encouraged to participate in the discussions.

In remarks at the end of the closing service, WCRC’s president, Jerry Pillay from South Africa, thanked the local committee for hosting the executive committee meeting and singled out the Ecumenical Officers of the two churches who were present throughout to provide ongoing support and programmatic input: Seth Agidi (EPCG) and Solomon Sule Saa (PCG).

Pillay paid tribute to Nyomi who concludes a 14-year term as general secretary in 2014. Nyomi, who is Ghanaian, was honoured for his contributions to the worldwide church and for his commitment to social justice concerns in Africa and throughout the world.

Nyomi’s successor was to have been appointed by the executive meeting at their meeting in Dodowa. However, the selection process has been extended and the next general secretary is expected to be named in July of this year. Pillay thanked Nyomi for agreeing to stay on longer than planned in order to ensure a smooth transition.