June 25, 2010
by Frank Worbs

UGC News interviewed Gottfried Locher, the treasurer of the new WCRC Executive Committee, about the significance of this Uniting General Council and the tasks facing the WCRC. Just two weeks ago Gottfried Locher was elected as the new President of the Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches, which has two million members.

Gottfried Locher, since the last general Council in Accra in 2004 you have been a vice-president of the Executive Committee. What has changed between Accra and Grand Rapids? The feeling of unity and belonging has become stronger. In Accra social issues were to the fore and created a lot of controversial discussion. In Grand Rapids you can feel the communion of churches much more strongly, our belonging together as a Reformed family, and there's been more in depth theological work – which may also be a result of the union with the Reformed Ecumenical Council.

What is the significance of this General Council for individual churches and congregations?

First of all the Council enriches all those who take part in it. They experience how Reformed churches in other countries live and work. They become aware of the worldwide context of their faith and can see, for example, how baptism, the Lord's Supper, or ordination are understood in other churches. So the impact of the Council depends upon how well delegates, observers and visitors communicate this wider perspective in their own churches and congregations.

Putting to one side the recommendations and programmes which the General Council will decide upon, what do you think are the most urgent tasks for the WCRC?

I see two key theological tasks. On the one hand to go forward with inner-Christian dialogue in particular with the Lutheran World Federation and with the Roman Catholic Church. On the other hand to strengthen the communion of faith between our own member churches, for example through work on our confessional texts. What are your tasks and goals as the newly elected treasurer of the WCRC?

To improve the financial situation of the WCRC, and ensure that there are enough financial and human resources available. On the one hand we'll be speaking with the richer member churches about appropriate contributions to the WCRC. On the other hand we want to work with existing networks for example in North America to strengthen our fundraising.

The Uniting General Council 2010 in Grand Rapids, United States (June 18-28) marks the merger of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches and the Reformed Ecumenical Council to form the World Communion of Reformed Churches.

Uniting General Council 2010