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Timeline of the World Council of Churches Shift to Marxist Theology
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Timeline of the World Council of Churches Shift to Marxist Theology

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Timeline of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Shift to Secular Ecumenism and Marxist “Liberation“ Theology (through 1976).

1. Formation of the World Council of Churches

  • 1948: The founding assembly is held in Amsterdam with 147 churches. The primary aim is to promote Christian unity to fulfill Christ’s prayer for oneness (John 17:21).

2. Evolution of Unity Concepts

  • 1954: The second assembly in Evanston attempts to address divisive concepts of unity, but divisions persist.

  • 1961: The third assembly in New Delhi sees a significant influx of Orthodox and Anglican churches, shifting the balance and introducing “catholic” or episcopal perspectives into discussions on unity.

3. Emergence of Third World Influence

  • 1968: The Fifth Assembly in Uppsala is marked by an increase of churches from developing countries, changing the WCC’s priorities towards sociopolitical issues rather than ecclesiological unity.

  • 1968-1975: A period of transformation is framed as a shift from a focus on denominational unity to involvement in secular ecumenism.

4. Reassessment and New Priorities

  • 1969: The establishment of a “Program to Combat Racism,” reflecting a shift towards addressing social justice issues.

  • 1970-1975: The development of “theology of liberation” begins, framing Jesus Christ as a political revolutionary. This causes significant controversy, particularly regarding the endorsement of violence.

5. Nairobi Assembly

  • 1975: The Fifth Assembly in Nairobi highlights sociopolitical issues, reflecting a definitive commitment to liberation theology. Key figures advocate for active involvement against oppression, emphasizing social justice over traditional ecclesiological concerns.

  • This assembly reveals deep divisions among delegates about the church’s role in social justice and political actions, establishing the direction of future WCC endeavors.

6. Institutional Changes and Leadership Shifts

  • Nairobi Assembly: Majority leadership includes representatives from Third World countries, signaling a shift in influence. Dr. Philip Potter continues as General Secretary, overseeing this new direction.

7. Response to the Shift and Divisions

  • Churches from Germany, Britain, and the United States begin to distance themselves from the WCC, accusing it of deviation from basic Christian faith and ethics.

  • Prominent voices within the assembly like the Bishop of Truro and Methodist leaders express opposition to support for violent resistance.

8. Future of Unifying Efforts

  • Post-Assembly Discussions: Significant discussions occur about maintaining the search for ecclesiological unity outside of WCC structures. Some sections move toward a redefined concept of unity centered on “conciliar fellowship”.

  • Ongoing Initiatives: The Roman Catholic Church continues to explore ecumenical collaborations, indicating a desire for unity based on discussion of common faith, while maintaining doctrinal integrity.

9. Conclusion and Reflection

  • General Consensus: The WCC’s theological transformation is recognized as a new precedence toward sociopolitical involvement at the expense of traditional ecclesiological goals. Observers express concern over the future effectiveness of WCC, equating it to a lesser version of the United Nations regarding ecclesial matters.

  • Commitment to Unity: While engagement with newfound priorities continues, the pursuit of unity based on scriptural truths remains a focus for many who still desire a traditional ecclesiastical framework.

This timeline outlines the evolution of the WCC’s theological direction amid shifting global influences, illustrating tensions between traditional ecclesiastical priorities and emergent sociopolitical commitments, culminating in a significant redefinition of the organization’s objectives.

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