Protestant Churches forming new organization

by Watipaso Mzungu Jnr

The world's two largest networks of Protestant churches in the reformed tradition have since Friday been meeting in Grand Rapids in the United States of America (USA) to form a new organization.

The Pros tenant family was divided between Reformed Ecumenical Council (REC) whose secretariat in Grand Rapids, USA, and the Reformed Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) which has its secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland.

REC is known for its emphasis on spiritual development and faithfulness to church 'Confessions' (statements which define points of faith) while WARC is known for its stances on issues such as racial and gender justice, environmental protection and a just and equitable world economic order.

Former General Secretary of Nkhoma Synod of the CCAP Rev. Dr. Winston Kawale said in an email interview that the new organization, to be known as the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC), signals a new level of relationship between two families of churches once divided from each other.

In Malawi, the CCAP Nkhoma Synod is a member of REC, and the CCAP General Assembly which comprises Blantyre, Nkhoma and Livingstonia Synods, is a member of WARC.

However, when the two organizations merge, the three CCAP Synods in Malawi will become members of WCRC.

"In these times of division and dissension in so many areas of our lives - including church life - it is highly significant that two global groups of churches based in 108 countries and representing 80 million people should be willing to come together in a higher level of union than ever before," said Richard van Houten, General Secretary of the Reformed Ecumenical Council (REC).

In his remarks made available to The Sunday Times through Dr. Kawale, WARC's general secretary Dr. Setri Nyomi said, "The term 'communion' in the new organization's name points to a new form of working relationship. As a communion, we recognize our common baptism and our togetherness at the Lord's table - making us better witnesses and more effective in making a difference in the world."

The Uniting General Council programme indicates that the first meeting of the World Communion of Reformed Churches took take place on Friday, June 18. On Thursday, June 24 there will be the election of WCRC President and the executive committee members.

Meanwhile, Rev Dr Winston Kawale has been appointed to be a member of the Nominations Committee which will shortlist the nominated candidates for the general elections. He has been REC Vice President since 2005

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