People stopping in at the University Chapel at 12.30pm have been finding preachers
expounding in a diversity of styles on a range of Bible texts — and each with a word
for the WCC’s 8th assembly.
"In a quiet corner of the campus, something rich and nourishing is going on and
people who have come have very much appreciated it," said Gwen Cashmore of the Church
of England, Assembly Worship Committee member responsible for the logistics of the
four-part "Preaching Service" series.
This ministry of the Word on Thursday, for instance, featured the Rev. Dr Elisabeth Tapia
(United Methodist Church, Philippines). In "Spirituality of a Pondering Heart,"
she explored Luke 2:19: "Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her
heart."
"After a long day of plenaries and padares, come here or to the worship tent and
ponder in your heart what’s going on," she urged. "What pain do I hear?
What is God revealing to us in different forms and voices? Listen to the still, small
voice, the rhythm of God’s grace daily. For a pondering heart enables one to do
courageous acts."
Dr. Tapia encouraged her listeners to emulate Mary’s vulnerability, availability,
solidarity and "doxological" life. "She had a joyful spirit! We need not
only prophetic voices but hopeful and joyful spirits," she said.
To those frustrated that "the wheels of ecumenical unity turn so slowly," she
said, "Don't lose hope. Ecumenical understanding and common vision take time and
energy. Let’s not give up on praying and working for Christian unity, justice and
peace, and the healing of nations, relationships and the earth.
Ofelia Ortega, theology professor from Cuba, preached on "Our Heritage" at the
first preaching service, followed by Bishop Thomas Hoyt of the Christian Methodist
Episcopal Church (USA) on "Rightside Up Values in an Upside Down World."
Concluding the series on yesterday was Dr Bradley Nassif, a theologian of the Greek
Orthodox Church of Antioch and All the East and academic director for Fuller Theological
Seminary in southern California, USA. Dr. Nassif, who promotes Orthodox-Evangelical
dialogue around the world, preached on "Salvation in the Trinitarian God."
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