What does the Jubilee of 2000 years since Christ's Resurrection in 2033 mean to you?
One of the things that worries me is that Christians should talk a lot more about Christ. I think we're sometimes a bit too accommodating. We need to say that we are people of faith and that we shouldn't be ashamed to proclaim the good news of Christ's Resurrection.
We do this with great sensitivity towards people of other faiths. But, as believers, that's what we're called to do. I think we have to be true to our vocation, without being judgmental, condescending or militant, but practicing hospitality and sharing our faith experience.
Our task is not to go out and make mass conversions. We leave that to the Holy Spirit. Our task is to share our faith and Jesus Christ with the world. That's why 2033 is an important date for me, because it evokes the Resurrection of Christ. I believe that Christians should make it an important event. And I'm delighted that you have taken the initiative of JC2033.
How do you see the year 2033 being introduced within the World Council of Churches?
The World Council of Churches could promote this. I think the Commission on World Mission and Evangelism is one of the key places. This is where we can give impetus to the celebration of the year 2033. I'd also like to remind you that you're talking about unity, witness and celebration. All these elements are important in the work of the WCC.
So, from the WCC's point of view, we're ready to integrate the year 2033 into some of our programs. I also think that the Council can help you set up a global platform, trying to help you promote this cause and encouraging member churches and others to participate.
In our view, the year 2025 - with the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and the common date of Easter - will be an important milestone towards 2033. On this occasion, we'd like to encourage church leaders to make a kind of joint declaration on the pilgrimage to 2033. What is your opinion on this?
I'm all for it. The WCC is working to commemorate Nicaea 2025, but we need to go further. I think we could use the experiences and resources of 2025 to help us see further ahead. 2033 could be that step, as we move forward. Nobody will really object, because the Resurrection is what, as Christians, we believe about Jesus.
I think we can ideally use the efforts and activities of 2025 to be able to say, "Now that we've reached 2025, how do we move forward?" I'm glad there's something beyond that year, and that we're working towards 2033.
In my opinion, you should be an integral part of 2025. The WCC will also include you in this process, so that you can promote it and say, "We're working with you to go further".
On JC2033 and the World Council of Churches, read here
Website of WCC: https://www.oikoumene.org/
