“We are a unique gathering of global Christian churches and organisations bringing together all the major streams of world Christianity. We create an open space where all Christians can meet to nurture unity by fostering mutual respect and understanding as well as by addressing together common challenges. The charism of the GCF is the sharing of faith stories, using our personal journeys with Christ as a means of building relationships across traditions who might otherwise never encounter one another.”

The Global Christian Forum was founded in 1998 by the World Council of Churches (WCC) for dialogue between the traditional Churches connected to the WCC and the Pentecostal and Free Churches, often not connected to the WCC.

Dr Klukach continues: “Over our 25-year history we have also held regional gatherings, thematic gatherings, and team visits. The Forum exists because there is no other space where this full diversity of Christians feels able to gather. The GCF is non-programmatic and our goal is to expand the table.”

What signs of hope can be expected from the GCF in the coming years? ” You will see more of those spaces where the Holy Spirit can be at work. We will support regional gatherings and hope to be able to spread our humble methodology of faith sharing as a gift to churches from local to global contexts.”

edited by Enno Dijkema