The Global Christian Forum and Rome

One of the most inclusive ecumenical organizations in the world has reiterated its desire to build a relationship with the Roman Catholic Church in the quest for Christian unity. The Global Christian Forum (GCF), which consists of Protestant, Pentecostal, and evangelical churches and organizations, recently met with Vatican officials in Rome at the invitation of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (Ecumenical News International, 2-2-12). At the meeting, GCF Secretary Larry Miller said the Vatican’s invitation indicated “ a consolidation of the shared commitment to build bridges between all churches.” According to the ENI report, Miller added, “Our relationship with the Catholic Church is of the highest order, and on our part reflects our desire to go further on our common journey with Jesus Christ.” Bishop Brian Farrell of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity commended the work and aims of the GCF. “The ecumenical task and the theological dialogue, while going on for so long, must continue to produce results,” he told the GCF committee. The GCF includes such churches and organizations as the World Council of Churches, the World Evangelical Alliance, the Pentecostal World Fellowship and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. Several evangelical organizations including the YMCA and YWCA, United Bible Societies, World Vision International, and the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization have been represented at past GCF events.