An invitation from WCC's new Global Platform for theological reflection and analysis
The 2008 theme for the WCC Global Platform on theological reflection and analysis is theological reflection on
The Bible, Crisis and Catastrophe. We invite your participation in the process and ask you to put us in contact with those already involved in doing theological reflection relating to the theme.
Theological reflection on
The Bible, Crisis and Catastrophe was chosen by the Global Platform Core Group for a variety of reasons. One of the things we learnt from the 2007 Global Platform process was that simply adding Biblical texts to social/political/economic analysis was not an adequate way of doing theological reflection on the issue. However, the main motivation was the recognition that in diverse issues such as Christian Zionism, climate change and HIV/AIDS, the Bible has been used by some Christians to deepen or deny problems. At the same time, Christians who are working for peace and justice in the Middle East and for changes in individual and collective attitudes and behaviour in response to climate change and HIV/AIDS may also be selective and partial in the use of the Bible.
The sharp focus of the Global Platform will be theological reflection on the use of the Bible. The three presenting issues - Christian Zionism, climate change and HIV/AIDS – each raise this concern in different ways. The WCC is or will be undertaking programmatic work in each of these areas so the Global Platform theme will be complementary and interactive with this ongoing work.
The process of the 2008 Global Platform will build on our experience in 2007. We have set up a
space for sharing insights and entering into
discussion.
We will be inviting a representative group to reflect on their own experience of theological reflection around the theme and on what has been shared through the web space, 29 September – 1 October 2008.
The Global Platform process will draw on work already undertaken through the WCC. In particular, the Faith and Order text
A Treasure in Earthen Vessels: An Instrument for an Ecumenical Reflection on Hermeneutics offers us some hermeneutical foundations. It can be found
here.
In order for the Global Platform to work, we need your participation through sharing theological reflections on the theme or putting us in touch with others. If you can help us, please use the discussion space or contact
simon.oxley@wcc-coe.org. We look forward to your involvement.
Simon Oxley
Programme Executive
World Council of Churches
Visit the Global Platform for Theology and Analysis webpage:
http://www.oikoumene.org/?id=3092
Oneness
of Heart and Spirit - Though it is a fundraising dinner for the new ecumenical building, this gathering here brings about a greater calling and to quote from the brochure, “This is not an appeal to put together bricks and mortar. More than anything else, this is about linking churches together and providing an opportunity for all Christians to grow with one another and offer the nation a good Christian witness. We need your help … for CCM to respond to the challenges facing Christians in the nation.”
