Vision
E. Recognizing the Reality of Context
One powerful point that emerges in the report of Jill Hawke y is the P edagogical process of building trust between Ecumenical, Evangelical and Pentecostals. For Pentecostals the Gospel is at the center of the Christian mission. The values of Spirituality, Fellowship and People's participation are at the core of the Pentecostal mission. The loose organizations of Pentecostals are based upon values of Sufficiency, Equity and Vulnerability. Multiculturalism implies a respect for difference, which is not only to be tolerated but also implies that Western values, Protestant Organizational Models and Northern participants do not continue to have a privileged place. Therefore Jill suggests that the new ecumenism should continue to stress service and full cooperation among all partners; the principles of solidarity and subsidiary are expected to prevail over privileged relationships among members of particular fellowships. Of course, no matter how different the typical Pentecostal and ecumenical organizations may look, the principle of mutual accountability remains a core value which ensures trusted relationships and long term commitments. While Jill reaffirms in the report that Tradition and Unity represent two necessary elements in ecumenism, they need to be subject to scrutiny to be ensure that they do not just represent another version of Western values organizing the ecumenical movement in accordance with particular ecclesiological views which limit participation to those who are not organized the way we are. One possibility is to make an important effort to challenge the present member churches of the ecumenical movement to become involved in true partnership with Evangelicals and Pentecostals. Here some support from Christian agencies devoted to joint training and diaconal work may be necessary. Then, as mutual trust is gained, additional partners may be invited, including the Roman Catholic Church. If the ecumenical movement will become more inclusive it should invite the minority churches, indigenous Evangelicals and Pentecostal local churches to participate in the re-configuration process.
F. Formulation a Vision
One of the questions still remains whether we as churches - at the local, national, regional and global level are really committed to working together. Some churches may be very clear about their ecumenical commitment not to undertake any work on their own that could be done ecumenically. But the perception of others could be different. There are a number of inter-related issues. One could be that the churches are focusing on their Confessional family rather than working ecumenically to preserve and enhance the identity of their own confessional body. The part that finances play in this is something that needs further exploration. One reason could be that because the ecumenical movement has less funds available than in the past, churches are now focusing on their own confessional families from where they can get funds. But most important point is the question of ownership - how much does the churches own the ecumenical structures. A common task for church leadership is to have a far greater role in the governance of ecumenical organizations.
Vision demands a programme to articulate itself; a movement requires structure to survive; and a fellowship needs a framework to grow. What is therefore needed is a holistic, balanced and interactive approach that will preserve the movement character of ecumenism and give due consideration to its institutional expression. The question is not merely one of coherence and collaboration between actors and actions but rather whether we have oneness in our understanding of ecumenism. By ecumenism we mean different things and there are increasing incompatibilities, inconsistencies and incoherence between the ecumenical goals. The Reconfiguration process should focus on building interdependence, mutual accountability, preserving diversities, creating space that would allow room for dialogue, fellowship and movement oriented to strengthen, challenge and complement each other. To have a space does not mean to fight for space but rather to seek and discover what others are doing. Recognizing Space means to be conscious of the changing times in communication and embracing communication as a method to tell our story to those who can join the space. And, We, on behalf of NCCI, have sent an appeal to the Church Leaders and Regional Christian Councils:
1. to initiate a process of discussion involving the Heads of the Churches, General Secretaries, and Heads of NCCI Related agencies as well as Regional Councils
2. to analyze the main challenges presented by the changing context of our time for ecumenical movement
3. to identify the key areas of change and renewal necessary for a Reconfiguration
4. to analyze their implications for the National Council of Churches in India
5. to aim at consolidating an initial report by August 2005.
Bishop D.K. Sahu
General Secretary, NCCI
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