wfn.org | WARC'S Opocensky Calls for More Unified Witness by Churches

[PCUSA.NEWS@pcusa.org]

12-August-1997 
97310 
 
    WARC'S Opocensky Calls for More 
    Unified Witness by Churches 
 
    by Jerry L. Van Marter 
    World Alliance of Reformed Churches Newsroom 
 
DEBRECEN, Hungary--World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) general 
secretary Milan Opocensky issued a stinging rebuke of the globalized human 
society as not fair and just and criticized Christian churches for their 
lack of unity in addressing world economic and social problems. 
 
    Unrestricted free-market capitalism, which Opocensky said was presented 
as the only viable solution after the demise of communism,  does not seem 
to be an adequate alternative.   He said the theme of the 23rd WARC General 
Council -- "Break the Chains of Injustice"  --  compels us to ask 
increasingly the question: What are the structures that could facilitate 
the political realization of social justice? 
 
    Opocensky insisted that envisioning and advocating for such structures 
is a service that a Christian community, a church, can render in an era of 
pluralism and postmodernism  because  the biblical message of liberation 
and hope encourages us to work for a model of society that would be 
politically responsible, socially just and ecologically sensitive. 
 
    And yet, he continued, the disunity of the world's churches demands an 
answer to a more fundamental theological question: Who are we Reformed 
people?  Do we still have a common basis on which we can build our 
worldwide fellowship?  Opocensky noted, for instance, that more than twice 
as many Reformed churches  are outside WARC as are members of the Alliance. 
It is a serious failure if we easily accept the existing divisions and 
separations among Reformed churches, he said. 
 
    Ironically, this disunity comes at a time when governments in Central 
and Eastern Europe  seem to be more friendly and open to Christian witness 
and presence,  Opocensky noted.   It would be a serious failure if churches 
became opportunistic, denouncing the past and turning a complacent face to 
the present and future.  Christians always need to learn to distinguish 
between the biblical God and the old and new idols,  he said.   Christians 
strongly affirm democratic and participatory procedures, freedom of 
assembly, speech and press.  But freedom cannot be divorced from the 
concern for justice. 
    Opocensky said Christians and churches are challenged and our hearts 
are searched by the power of the gospel, but we are equally challenged by 
the urgent issues and problems of today.  Our faith is tested at the 
intersection of those two levels: the calling of the gospel and the level 
of the social and political arena. Political and social responsibility is 
part and parcel of Christian existence. 
 
    But churches, he continued, are tempted to be concerned about our own 
denomination and about our immediate problems.   Nevertheless, Opocensky 
said, because Christians are bonded together in Jesus Christ,  we are 
called to give a more visible expression to the unity that already exists 
in Christ. 
 
    Such Christian communion, he insisted, means sharing and, if necessary, 
sacrificing and suffering for each other.   Because each local congregation 
and national church  is an expression of the universal church, we have to 
seek a more adequate understanding between local and universal. 
 
    Opocensky concluded by suggesting what steps WARC might take in coming 
years: 
 
    *  reflect on the main emphases of Reformed faith 
    *  identify burning issues in science and social life and reflect on 
       them theologically 
    *  continue bilateral dialogues with other Christian communions 
    *  support the fully inclusive community of women and men 
    *  strive for human rights and work for economic justice 
    *  cultivate reverence for life and justice for all creation 
    *  overcome disunity and lack of coordination in missionary work 
    *  search for a vision of the Reformed family's contribution to the 
       ecumenical movement 
    *  open itself to other religions and start dialogue and practical 
       cooperation. 

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