The Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia reflects about his six-year term as the general secretary of the World Council of Churches. He addresses good and not so good memories, encouraging experiences, progress and challenges of the ecumenical movement.
Excerpts from his interview:
Excerpts from his interview:
...Related to that is the decline in the ways of ecumenical formation. That is why [I was so happy] whenever I had a chance of encountering young people – which has happened on a number of occasions here in the ecumenical centre – who I think are very much open to ways of working together, who are more open than the older generation to overcome the doctrinal differences that they might have.
In twenty years from now I would be very happy – I don't know whether I will be there or not, but that doesn't matter! – one of the things that I hope we will be able to achieve even before 20 years is over is celebrating a common date of Easter.
In twenty years from now I would be very happy – I don't know whether I will be there or not, but that doesn't matter! – one of the things that I hope we will be able to achieve even before 20 years is over is celebrating a common date of Easter.
...So this relational dimension is really what has helped and carried me. And I brought this as part of my being African, because we put very, very strong accent on relation. You are because you relate, and because you relate, therefore you are.