The church does not seek to express itself in isolation from the issues which the world faces. Its involvement in such concerns is not something external to its life; in its authentic form it will be a sign of the good news, of the presence and promise of the kingdom, of the mystery of God's incarnate self-involvement with the world and the continuing Pentecost. It will be a witness, martyria, to that glory which is expressed in jesus' prayer: "... what shall I say, 'father, save me from this hour'? No. for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify thy name" (John 12:27-28).

The Rev. Dr Gennadios Limouris, from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, serves on the staff of the WCC's Faith and Order Commission