DETROIT, Mich. — Commissioners to the 221st General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) were extended ecumenical greetings from organizations around the globe during Wednesday afternoon’s business plenary session at the Cobo Center.
Greetings were given by representatives of the World Communion of Reformed Church (WCRC), World Council of Churches (WCC) and the National Council of Churches of Christ (USA).
“We give thanks to the witness of the PCUSA and how it continues in God’s mission faithfully and the ways you impact people all around the world,” said the Rev. Dr. Setri Nyomi, general secretary of the WCRC. “We in the WCRC value this church as the example of leadership you truly are.”
Nyomi praised the PCUSA as a denomination for “following the Biblical example of the Lord Jesus Christ,” observing the belief that Christ came that all may have life in fullness.
He noted the issues that have plagued the church in recent years, adding that the WCRC stands ready to help the PCUSA deal with those difficulties.
“We know in the PCUSA there have been tough challenges through the years,” Nyomi said. “We stand with you and thank God for you. The WCRC remains a safe place for you to be as you continue to wrestle with these difficult issues. Your theme of ‘Abound in Hope’ is apt for this time in a broken world.”
Nyomi indicated this would be his last year as general secretary of WCRC and expressed his gratitude to PCUSA Stated Clerk Gradye Parsons, former Stated Clerk Cliff Kirkpatrick, ecumenical officers and missional leaders of the denomination.
“I ask for the same support for our next secretary,” he said. “May you be the same instrument that makes a difference in the world.”
John Gibaut, representing the World Council of Churches, opened his greeting with a passage of Scripture from the 133rd Psalm, which reads, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (NIV)
“The PCUSA and its predecessor churches continue in our journey going forward,” Gibaut said. “Presbyterians in the United States are committed, competent and always ready to take part in leadership. As we travel on this pilgrimage by your side, we are partners on this journey, accountable to each other. We are encouraged that we may continue to minister together.
Gibaut told commissioners that the worldwide church of Christianity needs the denomination’s wisdom and commitment in full partnership.
“We each have bountiful gifts to give, and we each have great challenges to meet,” he said. “Brothers and sisters of the General Assembly in Detroit, may God grant us all the courage to move together in faith and hope, justice and peace.”
James Winkler, secretary and president of the National Council of Churches of Christ (USA), added, “My prayer is that you be strong and of good courage, not be frightened or dismayed. The Lord our God is with you, wherever you go.”