The World Council of Churches (WCC)
The World Council of Churches (WCC) was founded in 1948. Its members today include mainline Protestant, Anglican, and Eastern Orthodox churches. It arose out of the ecumenical movement and has as its basis the following statement: “The World Council of Churches is a fellowship of churches which confess the Lord Jesus Christ as God and Savior according to the scriptures, and therefore seek to fulfill together their common calling to the glory of the one God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”
The World Council of Churches describes itself as “a worldwide fellowship of 349 global, regional and sub-regional, national and local churches seeking unity, a common witness and Christian service.” It is based at the Ecumenical Center in Geneva, Switzerland.
The organization members include denominations, which claim to collectively represent some 590 million people, across the world in 150 countries, including 520,000 local congregations served by 493,000 pastors and priests, elders, teachers, members of parish councils and others. Delegates sent from the member churches meet every seven or eight years in an Assembly, which elects a Central Committee that governs between Assemblies.
The World Council of Churches stated aim is “to pursue the goal of the visible unity of the Church. This involves a process of renewal and change in which member churches pray, worship, discuss and work together” (from the official WCC website).
Sadly, it is a unity maintained by compromising the absolute truth of the Word of God. The World Council of Churches has been led by those who hold to “liberal theology” and who promote “progressive” social policies (such as abortion), the ordination of women, approves the ordination of practicing homosexuals, and tolerates many un-biblical beliefs.
Yes, the Lord wants His church to be unified (John 17:22), but not at the expense of scriptural truths. Doctrine is paramount, especially when it concerns the person and work of Christ. Modern ecumenical efforts are often all too ready to part with biblical teachings. Truth wields the sword of division (Matthew 10:34).
Jesus specified that the only factor that would unify the church is His truth: “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). Therefore, Jesus’ words should be the only unifying factor among the believers.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
