World Council of Churches adopts consensus decision‑making method

by Jerry L. Van Marter
Ecumenical News International 

GENEVA — After several years of experimentation, the main governing body of the World Council of Churches, the body uniting most non‑Roman Catholic Christians, on Feb. 22 formally adopted a consensus method of decision‑making for all WCC bodies. 

      “This decision to adopt the consensus method marks a new culture altogether in the World Council,” the church grouping’s general secretary the Rev. Samuel Kobia told journalists at the end of the Feb. 15‑22 meeting in Geneva.  

      The move to consensus follows the recommendations of a special commission set up by the 347‑member grouping to deal with grievances expressed by its Orthodox member churches, including decision‑making styles.  

      Many Orthodox churches have said their voices are not heard in WCC governing bodies, where most members are from Protestant churches.  

      Consensus decision‑making involves a series of steps to arrive at agreement on an issue or on how to deal with it short of agreement, without resorting to a straight vote.  

      “We believe that over time we will experience a deeper fellowship as we practice a style of listening and making decisions that is based on consensus,” said Protestant Bishop Eberhardt Renz from Germany, who presented the proposal to the grouping’s central committee. 

       Catholicos Aram I of the Armenian Apostolic Church and moderator of the WCC governing body told journalists, “I truly believe this consensus model will enable the Orthodox to reactivate their participation in the WCC.”  

      Between now and February 2006, when the WCC’s once in seven years assembly takes place in Brazil, those involved in leadership of the gathering will be trained in the new method.  

      But WCC general secretary Kobia acknowledged that, except for briefings on the model at pre‑Assembly gatherings for youth and women, most assembly delegates will be unfamiliar with the model.