Bonner Querschnitte 24/2024 Ausgabe 801 (eng)

Thomas Paul Schirrmacher will have role in GCF’s board – the “Facilitating Group”

(Bonn, 15.07.2024) The following is a press release from the Continuing Evangelical Episcopal Communion (CEEC.CHURCH) on the appointment of Thomas Paul Schirrmacher as Ambassador to the Global Christian Forum (GCF):

The appointment of the Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Paul Schirrmacher as their Ambassador to the Global Christian Forum (GCF) marks a significant step for the Continuing Evangelical Episcopal Communion (CEEC.CHURCH) in their mission to foster unity and engagement among churches globally. With his extensive experience, including his role as the outgoing General Secretary of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), Apb. Schirrmacher brings a wealth of knowledge and a spirit of ecumenism to the table.

The Global Christian Forum was established as a collaborative effort by the Vatican, the World Council of Churches, the World Evangelical Alliance and the Pentecostal World Fellowship. 

“Since both the CEEC.CHURCH and the GCF look to the Nicene Creed as the foundation of doctrinal understanding,” said Archbishop Robert Gosselin, General Secretary of the CEEC.CHURCH, “The GCF serves as a platform for dialogue and mutual understanding, embodying both the essential doctrines of the Nicene Creed and the aspiration for unity expressed in John 17. This initiative reflects a commitment to addressing shared challenges and advancing a collective vision for the Christian community worldwide.”

The Global Christian Forum is recognized for its unique role in bringing together a diverse range of Christian churches and organizations, thereby fostering unity among various streams of world Christianity. The GCF’s commitment to mutual respect and understanding, as well as addressing common challenges, has made it a pivotal space for ecumenical engagement. The involvement of Archbishop Thomas since 2010 and the long-standing service of Archbishop Schirrmacher on the GCF’s International Committee and Board highlights the dedication of individual leaders to the cause of Christian unity.

The acceptance of the Continuing Evangelical Episcopal Communion as a significant partner reflects the GCF’s inclusive approach and the growing influence of the CEEC within the global Christian community. This partnership is indicative of the dynamic and collaborative spirit that the GCF promotes, aiming to bridge gaps and heal divisions within Christianity.

In April 2024, Abp Schirrmacher spoke for the third time at a “Global Gathering” of the Global Christian Forum in Accra in Ghana. He sees the GCF as – literally – “a unique gathering of global Christian churches and organizations that brings together all the major streams of world Christianity”.

In his speech on the second day of the conference, he said, “We have this common faith in Jesus Christ as the salvation of the world. So it is important to examine the aspects of this faith together.”

The Continuing Evangelical Episcopal Communion is a communion of the one, holy catholic and apostolic Church. Our specific identity and self-understanding is rooted in the Anglican spiritual tradition of being Catholic, Evangelical and Protestant. We adhere to historic biblical Christian values, and are fully sacramental, fully evangelical and fully pentecostal.
 

Downloads and Links:

• Photo 1 (from left): Archbishop Dr. A. John SathiyakumarIndia, Bishop Primus of CEEC, Archbishop Thomas Paul Schirrmacher, Germany, Archbishop Robert Gosslin, General Secretary of CEEC, USA, during the GAFCON meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, 2023 © IIRF/Martin Warnecke
• Photo 2: Archbishop Thomas Paul during his speech at the Global Christian Forum in Accra 2024 © IIRF/Martin Warnecke
• Photo 3: The gathering of the Global Christian Forum in Accra 2024 during the speech of Archbishop Thomas Paul © IIRF/Martin Warnecke
• The website of the Continuing Evangelical Episcopal Communion: https://ceec.church
• The website of the Global Christian Forum: https://globalchristianforum.org
• The website of Thomas Paul Schirrmacher: https://www.thomasschirrmacher.net