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Geneva State Council President François Longchamp welcomed the World Council of Church's (WCC) Central Committee on Wednesday 2 July, reflecting on Geneva's historic roles as well as its determination to look forward in matters of both religion and state.
“The League of Nations came into existence here in the 20th century,” he said, “and we are commemorating 100 years since the beginning of the first world war.”
In addition to its prominence as a neutral place in which to nurture peace among nations, Geneva is also known for its role as a refuge for religious communities, he pointed out. “Nobody knows better than you do how important Geneva is in making the Reformation widespread,” he said. “With considerable influence over the years, Geneva has opened its doors to spiritual communities that were being persecuted for their worship.”
Longchamp assured WCC Central Committee members that Geneva is open for dialogue. “I give you my warm greetings,” he said, “and I assure you of the state's constant attention.”
Reflections on pilgrimage of justice and peace
As WCC Central Committee members took time to reflect on their sense of carrying forward the vision and policies of the WCC 10th Assembly, Rev. Dr Gottfried Locher, president of the Swiss Protestant Churches, also shared his thoughts on a pilgrimage of justice and peace.
In Busan, through the assembly, “we have been enriched,” he said. “We have learned what it means to be a unified, diverse people.”
He compared the WCC's time in Busan to “one long Sunday.” Now the WCC Central Committee must find connection even in their diversity, he said. “Now Monday has started and your work coming from Busan needs to be taken up.”
Locher urged the Central Committee to adopt a mixture of work and prayer as they opened the week-long meeting.
“We are on a pilgrimage, and a pilgrimage is a metaphor where rest and travel, holiday and work come together. We have one common goal: God's kingdom.”
Locher, a former member of the Central Committee, urged the current WCC governing body to strengthen communion among churches worldwide. “Do insist on clarity of what you hear,” he said. “Do call for specific measures. What do we mean by pilgrimage? You have to bind your shoes. You have to walk.”
Ecumenical Centre development anticipated
Residents of Geneva are anticipating the development of the Ecumenical Centre and WCC offices as part of a proposed Promenade de la Paix, or “peace promenade,” in Geneva.
“You will see a lot of building going on here,” said Longchamp, “and we have made careful decisions in redesigning this site so that we preserve the very great value of this building and its chapel, which is very important.”
The WCC's role in promoting peace will be reflected in the design of the peace promenade, he said. “Nobody forgets the role of the WCC during the period of the cold war as a place of dialogue between the east and the west.”
A contract for the development of the Ecumenical Centre and WCC offices was awarded to the Geneva-based firm LRS Architectes, which won an architectural competition for development of the site.
