Assembly Underway

The 10th world-wide Assembly of the World Council of Churches is well underway in Busan, Republic of Korea, with its theme of "God of Life, Lead Us to Justice and Peace." At an opening prayer service attended by many of the over 5,000 participants, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of all Armenians delivered a spirited sermon on the Gospel of Luke 24:28-35 in which the disciples recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread. Christ is apparent in the works of justice and peace. The opening prayer, initiated by a procession led by traditional Korean music, was followed by an equally energetic opening plenary. The opening prayer allowed expressions of lamentation to be heard from every area of the globe: from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, North America and the Pacific. Perhaps one of the more poignant and poetic was from the Pacific. "We are facing, Lord, facing mountains of despair as our cultures erode and engulf us in greed and power. We are trembling Lord, trembling under earthquakes of changes and their effect on our lives. We are despairing Lord, despairing at the hurricanes of problems we face and the anguish they cause." And yet it is hopeful: "And yet, Lord, we believe, we believe in your mercy; we hope, we hope in your love; we trust, we trust in your strength; we love, we love in your grace; for in your mercy, love, strength and grace we live." What a sobering yet hopeful way to start an Assembly that is already proving to be fulfilling and energetic.