Keeping an eye on ecumenical developments as well as using an opportunity to build bridges of understanding, representatives of the Seventh-day Adventist world church were observers at the 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Porto Alegre, Brazil from Feb. 14 to 23. Drs. John Graz, Eugene Hsu and Bill Knott attended as Adventist observers.

“It was very important for us to be there,” said Graz, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty director for the world church. “It was unique in being able to meet all Christians together, in spite of all their big differences, observe current developments, as well as learn about the agenda of ecumenism.”

An estimated 691 delegates from 348 WCC member churches agreed to give priority to spirituality, ecumenical formation, global justice and prophetic witness. The Seventh-day Adventist Church is not a WCC member. Adventist observers were among the more than 3,300 representatives and participants from other churches, organizations and movements who participated in the session.

Graz said the meeting afforded church representatives the opportunity to make friendly contacts and, where appropriate, dispel “myths” some may have about the church.