Orthodoxy and WCC

[Gnisios]

Beloved in Christ, I found the following article and I would appreciate your comments. As a traditionalist myself I'm very much concerned of 'ecumenism' and the WCC. However, I'm not narrow minded and I want to know your opinion on this important subject.

The article reads:

Date 2006/3/16 16:10:00 | Topic: News

Moscow Patriarchate representative in Europe predicts a gradual severance of relations among Christians

Moscow, March 16, Interfax - The Orthodox are appalled at the attempts of the Protestants to force discussion of homosexualism on the World Council of Churches (WCC), representative of the Moscow Patriarchate to the European Institutions bishop Hilarion of Vienna and Austria said.

'Attempts of certain Protestant churches to force discussion of sexual minorities on the WCC have provoked a particular indignation of the Orthodox', the hierarch said in his interview to the web-site of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

According to him, traditional views on homosexualism as sin have been 'subjected to revision' in certain Protestant churches recently. He remarked that the Episcopal church in the USA has recently ordained an open homosexual as bishop, while the Church of Sweden introduced an office of blessing the unisexual marriages.The Moscow Patriarchate has already suspended the dialogue with the Episcopal Church of the USA and the Church of Sweden. That shows the interchristian community 'going to pieces', bishop Hilarion added.

'It is hardly doubtful that other protestant churches of the North would follow the path of the American Episcopals and the Swedish Lutherans, and that the relations would be broken off on regular basis in the nearest future', the bishop believes.

He said that in this case the WCC, which is the union of the Protestants and the Orthodox, once 'created with such a difficulty', would not bear the burden of stockpiling differences and the 'ecumenical ship' would sink.

The original post is here (http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/)

[MariaRegina]

Oh, wow.

I am appalled what people say and do in the name of Christianity.

However, I feel that we are in the End Times (yes, ever since Christ's Holy Ascension), as it seems that this world has really grown wicked in the last 40 years.

Therefore, I do believe that world Orthodoxy should get out of the WCC and NCC (in America) so that good money is not used to support the homosexual agenda.

However, if a person is homosexual, yes, I will pray for their conversion. Gays and lesbians have sadly bought a lie and in this perverse society, who can judge them, since our schools teach that this lifestyle is acceptable. In fact, I do know several homosexuals at my university and I always take the time to greet them. They respect me for that. And I let them know that I am praying for them, and for that they thank me too.

It's getting late so forgive my ramblings.

I would like to know, Father, about your thoughts on the End Times, especially with all those books and movies written about the Rapture and the Left Behind Series. However, maybe we should open another thread to discuss that.

Nevertheless, some traditional Protestants see the WCC as a precursor of a wicked world religion imposed by the Anti-Christ. So, I guess it has some relevance to our discussion at hand.

[Gnisios]

Oh, wow.

I am appalled what people say and do in the name of Christianity.

However, I feel that we are in the End Times (yes, ever since Christ's Holy Ascension), as it seems that this world has really grown wicked in the last 40 years.

Therefore, I do believe that world Orthodoxy should get out of the WCC and NCC (in America) so that good money is not used to support the homosexual agenda.

However, if a person is homosexual, yes, I will pray for their conversion. Gays and lesbians have sadly bought a lie and in this perverse society, who can judge them, since our schools teach that this lifestyle is acceptable. In fact, I do know several homosexuals at my university and I always take the time to greet them. They respect me for that. And I let them know that I am praying for them, and for that they thank me too.

It's getting late so forgive my ramblings.

I would like to know, Father, about your thoughts on the End Times, especially with all those books and movies written about the Rapture and the Left Behind Series. However, maybe we should open another thread to discuss that.

Nevertheless, some traditional Protestants see the WCC as a precursor of a wicked world religion imposed by the Anti-Christ. So, I guess it has some relevance to our discussion at hand.

Just my opinion here sister: We indeed live in the last days. These are apocalyptic times and we better pay more attention to the signs. I never read the Left Behind series but if what I heard is correct, then it's pure fiction based upon a wrong eschatological view.

The WCC has gone far away from its original purpose. I think there are many problems in there, and the Orthodox Churches must sooner or later make a decision on a) where they stand and b) if there is any real role for them anymore within the council. I don't have an answer myself, I'm not a bishop, I do not represent the Orthodox Church in the WCC and I'm not a Church spokesman either. It's only that I'm very much concerned with all those new doctrines and practises. Hope I'm wrong.

As far homosexuality goes, let me tell you what I think as both Christian and psychiatrist. First of all, it is very possible for someone to have a wrong sexual orientation from his/her birth. Have no doubt about it. I know many Christians who disagree but they are wrong. In fact, this is the case with most homosexuals today. They are born like that and it is proved by science. Some others though, were 'forced' (in means of external psychological factors) to take the wrong path.

However, let us keep in mind the first principle of medical science: Normality is not what we are but what we are designed to be. Most psychologists/psychiatrists today would ignore the above rule and try to comfort the 'victim' by assuring him/her that everything is OK! They call it 'alternative nature or lifestyle' instead of searching the depths of their psyche to find ways of re-orientation. Honestly now, re-orientation is very difficult and demands time, devotion, research, and sensitivity. Even though, it is possible! Unfortunately, I don't know many scientists eager to spend their time on such issues especially when they are paid p/h. Christian scientists though are trying real hard on the field and we have had many good results.

Many Western Churches in ourdays have adopted the 'easy way' and don't approach homosexuals with a genuine Christian therapeutic method. The Orthodox Church must not imitate them. We have the scientists, the theologians and the tradition necessary to help our fellow people find a way out from genetic/biological/psychological errors.

[Pravoslavnii]

The New World Order has gotting its hands on the WCC it seems. Hopefully the Orthodox will distance themselves from these organisations.

[Gnisios]

The New World Order has gotting its hands on the WCC it seems. Hopefully the Orthodox will distance themselves from these organisations.

I would rather say that there is no real unity in diversity. What is your opinion?

[Pravoslavnii]

I would rather say that there is no real unity in diversity. What is your opinion?

I agree 100%. I think anyone who thinks otherwise lives in a fantasyworld.

What part of Greece are you from? Thessaloniki by any chance?

[Gnisios]

I agree 100%. I think anyone who thinks otherwise lives in a fantasyworld.

What part of Greece are you from? Thessaloniki by any chance?

No my beloved friend.....I'm from Athens :)

[Pravoslavnii]

No my beloved friend.....I'm from Athens :)

I like Greeks, especially because they are not blinded by media towards certain groups of people in worldpolitics. We probably both know what I mean. ;)

I know some Pontian Greeks here in Holland who speak Russian. Good people.

[Prawnik]

From what I understand, the MP never really wanted to join the WCC in the first place, and now they are looking for a reason to pull themselves out. Reunification with ROCOR has been posed as one reason; the WCC agenda makes another good reason.

Not that I am a fan of the WCC in the first place.

[RobNJ]

I don't think gaining unity is worth losing the truth

[ClementofRome]

I don't think gaining unity is worth losing the truth

There has never been a more true sentiment. I happen to be a member of the United Methodist Church and as a national denomination it seems to worship the term "United." It values unity over truth every time. The UMC has a very strong pro-homosexual contingent, and of course is a major player both the NCC and the WCC.

It is sad. :sigh: