'Younger Theologians' Speak at Faith and Order Plenary Commission

By Pauline J. Chang

“Younger theologians” from different continents and confessional families were a highlight at the World Council of Churches Faith and Order plenary commission meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, August 5, 2004. Speaking at what has been call the most ‘comprehensive theological forum in Christendom,” these theologians, aged between 25 and 37, encouraged the attendants to make a more visible connection between the “theological formations” and local action.

"We are afraid that all these theological formulations go to waste if not integrated to the realities of our lives," the younger theologians said in their statement.

The group, which included Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant theological scholars from Brazil, Canada, Greece, Kenya, India, and the Philippines, said it “welcomes further exploration into the notion of unity we so often invoke."

"The quest for unity is not a choice we are free to make. It is an imperative for all Christians," they said. "While the reality of visible unity may continue to elude us, we refuse the temptation to be discouraged and remain committed to the journey towards Christian unity however long and unpredictable it may be."

The Faith and Order plenary, which began on July 28, will close on August 6, 2004

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories