A University of Aberdeen Professor has been re-elected to the most senior ecclesial theological body in the world.
Professor Tom Greggs, the University’s Marischal Chair of Divinity, has been appointed as one of 40 committee members of the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches (WCC).
The Faith and Order Commission has a history spanning more than a century and emerged from the Faith and Order Movement in 1910.
Following two World Conferences, held in 1927 (Lausanne) and 1937 (Edinburgh), upon formation of the World Council of Churches in 1948, the movement transformed into the Commission on Faith and Order of the WCC.
Today the WCC brings together churches, denominations and church fellowships in more than 120 countries and territories throughout the world, representing over 580 million Christians and including most of the world's Orthodox churches, scores of Anglican, Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist and Reformed churches, as well as many United and Independent churches.
While the bulk of the WCC's founding churches were European and North American, today most member churches are in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, the Middle East and the Pacific. There are now 352 member churches.
It brings together ‘global, regional and sub-regional, national and local churches seeking unity, a common witness and Christian service’.
The Commission also incorporates the participation of the Roman Catholic Church and other non-member churches of the WCC in the organising and staffing of its activities within the overall framework of the WCC.
The Commission on Faith and Order ‘undertakes theological studies so that the churches may reach sufficient agreement across their diversity and grow in mutual care and accountability’.
Professor Greggs said: “I am delighted to be re-elected as one of 40 committee members who oversee the theological statements and positions for the World Council of Churches.
“It is, in this way, the most senior, ecclesial theological body in the world and covers over 500 million people across the world in more than 110 countries with more than 350 global member churches.
“It is an honour to serve on this body and a particular honour to be reappointed. It is a major, global avenue for impact.”