Response to the letter form the US conference

Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth
is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will
forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

(1 John 1:8-9 NRSV)

Grace and peace to the members of the US Conference for the WCC, and to the people of the United States of America.

The 9^th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, meeting at Porto Alegre, Brazil in February 2006, asked me to respond to your statement to the assembly, offered as a prayer of lamentation and confession. In responding, we too must join sincerely in your expression of grief at ill-conceived actions and tragic events of recent years, and in your confession "that we have failed to raise a prophetic voice loud enough and persistent enough" to bring about positive transformation, and that "we ourselves are complicit in a culture… that diminishes the earth." We join you in these prayers to the Lord for mercy, and for peace.

Addressing terrorism in its many forms, the 9^th Assembly affirmed that the World Council of Churches must continue to "accompany and support the churches as they respond prophetically and creatively in a pastoral and prophetic mission to assist those that are caught up in fear." This we are eager to do, and we are grateful for the US churches’ statement as evidence of your continuing commitment to fellowship in faith, witness and action.

Full text of the letter: see link below.