May 21, 2012

Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), began a five-day visit to the WCC member churches in Romania with a consultation on 16 May at the patriarchal residence in Bucharest. He met with Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church and other leaders from the Orthodox churches.

On 18 and 19 May, Tveit continued his trip with visits to Sibiu, where he met leaders of the Lutheran Church of the Augsburg Confession in Romania, and to Cluj, where he was received by leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Romania and Reformed Church in Romania.

"The position of the churches in Romania is a very strong one. They play an important role in many dimensions of daily life," said Tveit.

"There are many inspiring dimensions of church life in Romania, which are also influencing other trends in Europe. However, a huge problem for the whole society is the migration of highly qualified people to other European countries, which has a deep impact on the churches as well," added Tveit.

A common theme in the various meetings was the solidarity and practical cooperation necessary among WCC member churches for the adequate support of Christian mission and social ministry throughout the nation.

While in Bucharest, the general secretary was formally introduced to Romanian president Traian Basescu.

During his meeting with the president, Tveit spoke about state-church relationships, churches in Romania and the role of the WCC in promoting ecumenical concerns.

Basescu expressed his appreciation for the visit and stressed the significance of the Romanian Orthodox Church, which has always "known how to have good relations with the other churches in Romania."

Tveit also appeared on a theological panel discussion broadcast by Trinitas-TV, the television network of the Romanian Orthodox Patriarchate.

More information on general secretary's visit to Romania: http://lists.wcc-coe.org/ct.html?rtr=on&s=jazjt,evou,usx,5544,jmvz,iczd,e4ua.

WCC member churches in Romania: http://lists.wcc-coe.org/ct.html?rtr=on&s=jazjt,evou,usx,m2mn,ewtp,iczd,e4ua.

World Council of Churches