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Pope Francis’ message to mark the fourth Global Ghristian Forum
[Accra (Ghana), 15 – 20 April 2024]
The Global Christian Forum (GCF) is a unique gathering of global Christian churches and organisations
bringing together all the major streams of world Christianity
This year’s theme, “that the world may know”
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I extend my warm greetings to all present at the Fourth World Gathering of the Global Christian Forum.
Your Gathering brings together participants from all over the world, reflecting a beautiful mosaic of contemporary Christianity with its rich diversity, yet based on our common identity as followers of Jesus Christ.
This year’s theme, “that the world may know” (John 17:23b – so that the world may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them even as thou hast loved me) calls on Christians to embody the unity and love of the Triune God in their personal and ecclesial lives, in order to bear witness to a world scarred by division and rivalry.
Unity is an indispensable element in embracing the vision of the Kingdom of God.
As such, there is an intrinsic link between Ecumenism and Christian mission.
Throughout its history, the Global Christian Forum has contributed significantly to fostering this bond by providing a space where members, especially those from different historical expressions of the Christian faith, can grow in mutual respect and fraternity through meeting one another in Christ.
May this gathering, on the occasion of the silver anniversary of the Forum, deepen your faith and rekindle your fraternal love as you pray together, share your personal stories and address the challenges facing the Global Christian Community.
Upon you all, I invoke the blessings of Almighty God, and pray that the gathering will advance the visible unity among all christians.
Pope Francis
