WCC General Secretary Congratulates Edna Palmer
Rev. Lydia Veliko, Edna Palmer, Rev. Deborah DeWinter, and Rev. John Thomas during the celebration honoring Ms. Palmer's service.
The US Conference for the WCC paused during its Annual Meeting to celebrate the 90th birthday of a life-long contributor to the global ecumenical movement, Ms. Edna Palmer. The Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia, General Secretary fo the WCC, sent his congratulations, as did Rev. Dr. Clifton Kirkpatrick, Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church USA, of which Ms. Palmer is a member.
Drs. Kobia and Kirkpatrick were joined by many other well-wishers who shared messages of congratulations, special memories, and reminiscences about Ms. Palmer's career.
Following is the complete text of Dr. Kobia's letter to Ms. Palmer:
Geneva, 13 April 2007
“I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love towards all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers.” (Ephesians 1:15-16)
Dear Edna,
One of the particular joys of serving as General Secretary of the World Council of Churches is to have the privilege of visiting our partners and member communions all over the world. In the context of these visits, I meet distinguished church and political leaders, members of the WCC’s governing and consultative bodies, and many distinguished ecumenical partners. I am humbled by the diversity inherent in the Body of Christ and its many members across the globe.
I sometimes reflect on the intricate weaving of relationships that constitute the strength, beauty and uniqueness of this complex and creative organization we call the World Council of Churches. I marvel at the depth of commitment and the dedication of all associated with the WCC around the world. But perhaps it is the special contributions of volunteers like you who devote their time and talents for the sake of our common calling to make more visible the unity of the church that inspires me the most.
So it is a great honour and privilege for me to recognize, on behalf of the World Council of Churches and at the invitation of the United States Conference for the World Council of Churches, the special anniversary of your 90th birthday which is being celebrated most appropriately in the context of the Annual Meeting of the US Conference.
You have been with us from the inception of the World Council of Churches, Edna! You have known so many of the real giants in the ecumenical family over the course of your lifetime of ecumenical service. I am sure that all concerned would wish to join with me in thanking you, today, for all you have done to support the important mandate of the US Conference for the World Council of Churches these many years.
In the context of the many transitions within the US Office over the years, you have provided the continuity, Edna, and anchored new staff in their orientation. We realize that even more significant than the practical, day-to-day support you have provided for so many years, is the witness of your life of faith and your unfailing commitment to providing ecumenical hospitality. Your colleagues here in Geneva and in the United States have come to admire your faithfulness, compassion, professional standards, zest for life and tenacity.
I also wish to acknowledge your membership in the Presbyterian Church USA and to give thanks for the Christian nurture and fellowship you have known from the day of your baptism at the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church until this, your 90th year anniversary. We give thanks for the pastors and people of our member church, the PCUSA, who have anchored your faith and fuelled your commitment to the ecumenical movement.
Finally, Edna, on this wonderful occasion of your birthday celebration, I want you to know that we give thanks to God for putting you at the heart of the ecumenical family in the United States.
In Christian love,
Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia
General Secretary
World Council of Churches
