WCC adopts consensus decision-making style

Christian Century, March 22, 2005

After several years of experimentation, the main governing body of the World Council of Churches has formally adopted a consensus method of decision-making for all WCC organizational entities.

The move adopted at the February 15-22 meeting of the WCC's Central Committee was prompted by longstanding grievances of Orthodox member churches, which are a minority in the predominantly Protestant organization.

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

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."

In the period before 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.--ENI

Sources include:

Religion News Service (RNS)

Ecumenical News International (ENI)

Associated Baptist Press (ABP)

denominational news services