Bishop of Connor reflects on day one at World Council of Churches

Thursday October 31st 2013


The Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea addresses the Assembly of the World Council of Churches.The Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev Alan Abernethy, writes from the Republic of Korea where he is attending the 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches.

Day One – I have arrived safe and well after a long journey. Flew from Dublin to Amsterdam, Amsterdam to Seoul and Seoul to Busan. The time difference is 9 hours, my body clock is struggling as I have lost 9 hours somewhere.

My participation at the conference began this morning with prayers at 8:30. A fascinating new simple liturgical structure, with African singing and prayers in different languages concluding with the Lord’s Prayer said in our own native tongue.

This morning’s plenary was opened by a special visit from the Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea. Then followed a reflection on the church’s role in justice led by different speakers.

Two highlights were a presentation regarding HIV/ Aids and what has happened in the numbers of people treated and the hope that no child will be born with this disease very soon. Secondly a reflection on the theology of victims modelled and incarnated by Jesus.

It is only lunch time on first day so much more to come.

Bishop Alan hopes to send regular reports from Busan.

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