The Programme Committee needed also to recognize the boundaries and limitations of its work, especially in relation to the work of the two other standing committees of the Central Committee. In regard to the Executive Committee: the Programme Committee realizes that it does not monitor or oversee the ongoing programmes and activities of the Council. The Executive Committee has that responsibility as well as the responsibility to determine the allocation of resources (Rule 6.2.b). In regard to the Finance Committee: the Programme Committee has recommendations in Section VII of this report for a change in the relationship. The Programme Committee’s responsibility is to report directly to the Central Committee in regard to the mandates given to it by the Central Committee (Rule VII).

The committee met for three days in Berlin prior to the Central Committee meeting, presented a report to Central Committee (GS 3) and then met during the meeting to further complete its work. The initial time included seeking to understand and assess the breadth of the Council’s activities.

II. Reception of Reports
The Programme Committee received reports of the consultative bodies, cluster activity reports, and planning documents for 2001. It also heard insights from staff and discussed within small groups its own reflections and experiences with programmatic activities. The results of these deliberations were presented in the earlier report to the Programme Committee (GS 3).

As noted in its earlier report, the Programme Committee:

• expressed concern that the emphasis and focus upon Africa was not always self evident. The Committee also noted with appreciation the efforts of the WCC Staff Leadership Group to form a Council-wide staff group (Africa Peace Monitoring Group) to deal with the Africa focus as mandated by the Eighth Assembly. The Committee urges that this group be active as soon as possible. The need for Africa-based ecumenical enablers is essential for realizing the Africa focus within the Council.
• raised the issue of youth participation. The survival of the ecumenical movement is intrinsically related to the involvement of a younger generation who are capable of bringing new perspectives and enthusiasm that will deepen and broaden the fellowship of churches within the WCC. It is not only about involving youth in ecumenical work through the youth desk, nor about programmes directed specifically at youth, nor about quotas. The need across all programmes is to develop theological principles to ensure the full participation of young people. Ecumenical leadership training is essential for the life of the ecumenical movement.
• commended the staff for developing new patterns of collaboration and co-operation within the new structures of the WCC and in their efforts to involve member churches.

III. Programmatic work of WCC
The Programme Committee considered carefully its first task. According to Rule VII.3.a) it shall:

Ensure that the development of programmes takes account of the major thrusts and policies adopted by the Central Committee as well as of the available financial resources.

Additionally, the Programme Committee reflected upon the need for the Council to uphold its ecumenical memory so that it may not be forgotten, realizing that new initiatives are often built upon programmes previously carried out by the Council and can be advanced by their insights. One illustration was the rich learning gained from the Ecumenical Decade for Churches in Solidarity with Women and the development of the "living letters" that strengthened the fellowship among churches. Another illustration was the way in which the insights of the Gospel and Culture studies affect the current work in Mission and Evangelism and may serve to influence the development of a future theme of a world mission conference.

Responses by Central Committee members to the preliminary report of the Programme Committee demonstrated that the Central Committee members had not received sufficient information to gain the necessary insight into the breadth of the Council’s work. Therefore, the Programme Committee presents in an appendix a description of areas of responsibility for the staff teams of the Council. These descriptions were developed through a collaborative process involving staff, consultative bodies and members of the Central Committee. (The latest suggestions and recommendations with regard to those descriptions made by the Commission on World Mission and Evangelism and the Church and Ecumenical Relations Advisory Group were reviewed and affirmed by the Programme Committee.) The information can be helpful to the different consultative bodies in order to learn of each other’s work for more effective joint activity.

The length and extensiveness of the descriptions make it impossible to include in this report detailed information about the reported work of the WCC. Central Committee members and all others are encouraged to study the existing documents and receive further information on any of the descriptions listed in the appendix.

IV. Theological Inter-relationship
In continuing with the tasks of the PC, there was a discussion regarding Rule VII.3.b:

Consider in particular the theological inter-relationship of different World Council activities.

Once again, the primary purpose of the fellowship of churches in the WCC is:

to call one another to visible unity,
- in one faith and in one eucharistic fellowship... that includes
1. ongoing theological reflection in the wider frame of the CUV process of the WCC;
2. a wealth of different theological expressions in the churches;
3. coherence between WCC programmes and activities, whereby the objectives, plans and goals of one programme/activity do not contradict another;

- expressed in witness and common life in Christ... that includes

1. a foundation of shared Bible study among member churches;
2. the support and continued development of ecumenical memory;
3. the creation of "ecumenical space" that allows for diversity and inclusivity;

- through witness and service to the world... that includes


1. the importance of life and the development of a theological understanding of creation;
2. the need to be attentive to threats of life;
3. the development of a theological understanding of diakonia that undergirds the work that addresses specific needs and root causes of the problems of the world,

and to advance towards that unity in order that the world may believe.

1. Insights on theological reflection being drawn from the experiences and traditions of the churches.
2. The consistent practice of sharing outlines among team coordinators.
3. The practice of mutual exchange of participants among related studies, e.g., theological anthropology contributing to the human sexuality study.
4. A continuation of the theological awareness of the outcomes of programmes and activities even after their discontinuation (ecumenical memory).
5. The inclusion of artistic forms to help convey and promote theological understanding, e.g., use of poetry and music.
6. Media presentations which include the theological dimension of the programmes and activities.
7. The practice of planning symbolic actions relating to the sacred earth be done in cooperation with the Indigenous Peoples Programme.

ensure that the development of programmes takes account of the major thrusts and policies adopted by the Central Committee (VII.3.a); and
to provide for and make recommendations for regular evaluation of programmes and activities (VII.3.d).

2. To carry out the tasks of evaluation, the Programme Committee has seen an overall framework for its work for the coming years:

1. The Programme Committee has a responsibility to provide for an overall evaluation of programmes and activities that will take place between the time of the Harare Assembly and the next WCC Assembly. That comprehensive review and evaluation will need to take place at the time of the Central Committee meeting just prior to the next Assembly.
2. The Programme Committee sees the next step in the process which was begun in Harare, and moved forward at the 1999 Central Committee, to be to prepare an interim (mid-term) evaluation of the activities and programmes.

1. It is the Programme Committee’s understanding that the evaluation process will take place at three different "levels" in the life of the WCC: (i) in on-going evaluation by staff of the current activities at all stages of implementation and planning; (ii) an evaluation of the programmes by the consultative bodies; and, (iii) an overall evaluation by the Programme Committee.

   At each "level", the basic criteria to be used is the material set forth in the Report of the Programme Committee on "Priority Setting and Evaluation for Programmes" (GS 3, approved by the 1999 Central Committee) which includes the criteria identified in the Institutional Frame [relation to the CUV process; Mission/Purpose; Fellowship; Coherence/Integration]; the Programme Management Tool [what the WCC can do more effectively than any other organization, Relevance, Urgency, Impact, Effectiveness; Centrality; Newness; and Learning]; and additional questions identified for Evaluation [communication of results of programmes; receiving of the programme in the member churches; and, ecumenically challenging the member churches in their own life and witness].

   Additional criteria identified by the Programme Committee to be included in the evaluation:

   • The principle of asking whether the programme or activity is most appropriately done at the level of the WCC, or should/could it be done at a more "local or regional level"?
   • The use of statistics to determine how inclusive a programme is, for example the inclusion of youth; and,
   • Is the work being done in the style of collaboration and cooperation now adopted by the Council?
   
   
2. To enable the work of the Programme Committee at its next meeting, the Committee is requesting that, in addition to descriptive work and materials received from the consultative bodies on their on-going programmes and activities (each consultative body will prepare this material in its own style and its own need for giving direction to its activities), the consultative body’s report will include a section (to be no longer than two pages in length) providing the following summary information: (i) a conceptual, theological reflection on the nature of the work of the programme and activities; (ii) a description of highlights of actual work done; (iii) its own evaluation of the programme and activities, with reference to the priority areas of work; any difficulties experienced in achieving the objectives of the programme; and, emerging trends related to the programme and activities.

3. Based upon its evaluation of these reports and materials, the Programme Committee will then make a report to the next meeting of the Central Committee.

2. As part of the overall evaluative process, the Programme Committee therefore encourages each consultative body, as part of the preparation of its evaluation, to reflect upon the emerging directions and trends in its activities and programmes, and to share these with the Programme Committee for its future discussions and work.

VII. Finance
Rule 8.i.c. indicates that "three members, to be designated by the Programme Committee from its membership" shall be members of the Finance Committee. The intention of the Central Committee was to ensure that there was an exchange of information to enable both the Finance and the Programme Committees undertake their separate, though mutual responsibilities for finance and programme activities. The Programme Committee has not been able to meet the Central Committee’s expectation.

The Programme Committee does seek to work closely in new ways with the Finance Committee so that it may accomplish its mandate regarding finances given in Rule 7.3.a. Hopefully, this could include the following points:

• The new pattern of accounting, that does not wholly separate operational and activity budgets, should be actively pursued to enable the Finance Committee provide the Programme Committee with a financial framework within which to undertake the Programme Committee's mandate.
• Staff associated with the Finance and Programme Committees could investigate ways in which the timetable of meetings and agendas could be reshaped to enable both committees to undertake their overlapping mandates.
• That the Finance and Programme Committees find ways to facilitate the work of each other.

During the present round of the Programme Committee meetings, the financial information thought necessary for the committee’s responsibilities was not available, in part through restructuring and in part through new accounting categories. Through the good offices of the respective staff this will be solved by the Central Committee meeting in September 2002.

The budget for 2001 indicated significant reduction in operational and activity income that required a new or modified approach to ways in which programmes were undertaken. The Programme Committee underlines the need to continue pursuing collaboration with ecumenical partners and member churches, regionally, nationally and locally. The Finance Committee requested, for the purposes of income generation, that particular areas of programme activity be lifted up. The Programme Committee agreed and asked staff to assist in this process.

VIII. Specific Recommendations
8.1 The Programme Committee received a proposal concerning the next World Mission and Evangelism Conference from the CWME Commission. Recognizing both the importance and impact of previous CWME conferences upon the life of the churches and that mission and evangelism are at the heart of being the church, the Programme Committee recommends to the Central Committee that it affirms holding of this Conference in late 2004 or early 2005.

8.2 The Programme Committee recommends that the Central Committee have a padare offering at the 2002 meeting reflecting on issues of disability led by the Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network (EDAN), and that a special plenary be held at the Central Committee meeting in 2003. The plenary would present the theological and ecclesiological statement being prepared for the churches by the EDAN/JPC with the Faith and Order Commission as a framework for the churches’ advocacy and pastoral role with the disabled.

8.3 In accord with affirmations of statements above affirming the need to strengthen the fellowship among the WCC member churches through collaboration and visitation, the Programme Committee recommends that the WCC look for ways to publicize visits among members churches and to encourage that those visits include consideration of the meaning of membership in the WCC fellowship.

8.4 Appreciating the efforts to build a spirit of community in the meetings of the Central Committee, the Programme Committee also recommends the regular use of Bible studies in meetings of the Central Committee and consultative bodies.

APPENDIX

General Secretariat:

1. Strategic coordination, planning and evaluation of the activities of the Council and coordination of the work of the cluster directors.
2. Planning, and organization of WCC governing body meetings,
3. Provision of a supportive framework and congenial atmosphere to nurture and enhance the work of staff.
4. Regular personal encounter with member churches and ecumenical partners.
5. Stimulation of fresh thinking about the ecumenical movement and its coherence.

1. The Graduate School of Ecumenical Studies, conducted as a residential programme of graduate-level academic studies and community life for students from various churches and countries.
2. Organization of short courses and consultations.
3. Activities of ecumenical education and research in cooperation with ecumenical partner institutions and centres.
4. Promotion of education programmes and activities related to the Ecumenical Institute at other locations around the world.
5. Maintenance of a centre for ecumenical meetings and conferences.

1. Assistance to churches and the fellowship of churches in addressing doctrinal and theological issues and related practices which are historically connected with the division and unity of the church.
2. Integration of social, cultural, political, racial and ethical issues into ongoing theological discussion on the unity of the church.
3. Examination and encouragement of steps towards unity being taken by churches and groups of churches.
4. Exploration of ecumenical spirituality and the ecumenical significance of the varieties of Christian spirituality.
5. Sharing of worship resources and encouragement of worshiping together ecumenically to contribute to the renewal of the churches.

1. Dialogue with churches and mission boards, societies and agencies to encourage a deeper understanding of and commitment to common witness and an increased practice of relationship and cooperation in mission.
2. Promotion of reflection on authentic evangelism and enhanced commitment to its practice.-
3. Encouragement of an understanding and practice of the mission of the churches as solidarity with the poor and marginalized.
4. Assistance to the churches in understanding and carrying out their mission of promoting health, healing and wholeness.
5. Promotion of ecumenical study and reflection on mission issues.

1. Supporting struggles for life in dignity in just and sustainable communities and analyzing the impact of globalization.
2. Engaging churches and peace movements in addressing issues of violence and non-violence.
3. Promoting life-centred ethics which affirms the inter-relatedness of justice, peace and creation.
4. Advocacy for just and inclusive communities.
5. Nurturing a vision earth as home and affirming a spirituality that is faithful to the voice of the earth and the children of the earth.

1. Promoting reflection on, commitment to and practice of ecumenical learning and the development of ecumenical awareness in churches and networks at local, and global levels.
2. Educational and pedagogical support for WCC study, programmes.
3. Promotion of the development of lay leadership and reflection on the theology and ecclesiology of the laity as the people of God.
4. Promotion of human resource development by the churches through the WCC Scholarships Programme.
5. Assistance to churches in undertaking ecumenical theological education and ministerial formation, and support for the work of networks of theological schools.

1. Relationships with and between WCC member churches and their staff responsible for ecumenical affairs.
2. Relationships with the Roman Catholic Church and with other churches which are not members of the WCC, especially evangelical, Pentecostal, Holiness and African Instituted churches.
3. Relationships with regional ecumenical organizations, national councils of churches, Christian World Communions and international ecumenical organizations.
4. Relationships with churches and ecumenical bodies and networks in the United States through the US office of the WCC and the US Conference.
5. Coordination of programmes introducing the WCC and its work to visiting groups coming to the Ecumenical Centre.
6. Follow-through the proposal to establish a "Forum of Christian Churches and Ecumenical Organizations".

1. Analysis and interpretation of the political, economic, social-cultural, religious and ecumenical situation in each region to assist the WCC and ecumenical partners in developing a comprehensive and collaborative ecumenical response to the realities and priorities of the regions.
2. Facilitation of platforms such as regional groups and round tables for analysis, dialogue and cooperation with regional partners and agencies involved in development and ecumenical diakonia, mediation when necessary, and the building of South-North and South-South partnerships.
3. Facilitation of human development and capacity-building to equip churches and ecumenical organizations in their ecumenical diakonia, including gender analysis and perspectives, institution and leadership development, self-reliance and viability of ecumenical partners, and coordination with Action by Churches Together (ACT) in emergency response and preparedness.
4. Support for and strengthening of efforts by churches and, church related organizations in each region to help communities in the daily struggle for life with dignity and to respond to the concerns of people in critical situations. including street children, women and uprooted people.

1. Monitoring and interpreting national and international political developments, and promoting actions of solidarity with victims of injustice, violence and displacement occurring as a result of these developments.
2. Defence of human rights and religious freedom, especially through assisting churches and others in situations of religious intolerance and through efforts to replace, cultures of impunity by actions for truth, justice, accountability and reconciliation.
3. Effective protection of the rights of uprooted people, greater awareness of their situation and assistance to churches and ecumenical partners in their ministries with the uprooted.
4. Efforts to overcome violence through the elimination of nuclear weapons, effective control and reduction of conventional weapons, and the development of non-violent approaches to the prevention, mediation and resolution of conflicts.
5. Coordination of an effective presence of the WCC and ecumenical partners in the United Nations and its related agencies.

1. Relations between Christians and neighbours of other faiths, especially through the relations of the WCC to interfaith bodies and organizations of other faiths.
2. Initiation of bilateral and multilateral dialogue with partners of other faiths to build trust, meet common challenges and address conflictive and divisive issues.
3. Encouragement of Christian reflection on religious plurality and its significance for Christian identity and witness.
4. Exploration of issues related to the beliefs of Indigenous Peoples and to the rise of new religious movements.
5. Assessment of major trends in relations between faith communities and in the role of religion in the world.

1. Publication and distribution of books, a periodical ecumenical journal, other publications and electronic media products.
2. Maintenance of the ecumenical library and archives (print, sound and visual) as a resource for staff and researchers.
3. Provision of required translation services in WCC working languages and other languages, coordination of translation and interpretation services for conferences, advice on language issues, maintenance of an up-to-date record of ecumenical terminology.
4. Encouragement and support for outside bodies in the distribution of ecumenical and WCC communication materials in a variety of languages.
5. Retail sale of WCC communication materials in the Ecumenical Centre and at important ecumenical events.
6. Contacts with theological seminaries and faculties regarding the development of resources for the academic study of ecumenism.

1. Relations with staff responsible for communication, in member churches and ecumenical partner organizations.
2. Relations with secular, church and ecumenical media outlets and representatives, including Ecumenical News International.
3. Encouragement and support of communication strategies and skills in the teams and promotion of exchange of information within the WCC staff.
4. Development of communication of the WCC through visual media.
5. Development of electronic communication of the WCC through the World Wide Web.