Head of WCC: Common Easter date should not lead to new divisions

Head of the World Council of Churches, Jerry Pillay. Photo: tribunechretienne

WCC General Secretary Jerry Pillay commented to the Italian news agency SIR on the plans of Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew for a joint Easter celebration in 2025.

"It is essential to take seriously the concerns expressed, particularly (but not exclusively) by our Orthodox brothers and sisters: we must ensure that the path to unity does not lead to new divisions," Pillay stated. According to him, "the discussion about a common Easter date is not merely a technical issue of calculation and setting the correct date but touches on many ecclesiastical and even pastoral dimensions."

"We must guarantee that the path to unity does not create new divisions," he warned, emphasizing the need for the inclusion of all Churches in this process and the respect for their traditions. He noted that any changes imposed without consensus risk deepening disagreements, particularly among the Orthodox.

"It is impossible to show the world that 'we are all one' and to send a message of unity while excluding any Church," the WCC head said when asked whether the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) could participate in this process. "On the contrary, all Churches must be involved in the discussion of this important issue, and all Churches must make the decision to become part of the necessary processes to reach an agreement."

Commenting on the significance of Easter for today's divided world, Pillay noted that "we strive to facilitate the search for a common Easter date as a crucial and visible sign of Christian unity."

"We hope that the 1700th anniversary of Nicaea will create momentum that enables all Christians to celebrate Easter together in the future. As part of the WCC’s vision and mission to achieve visible Christian unity, we remain committed to walking this path alongside our 352 member churches and all churches, working together toward a common Easter date with the hope that our unity and visible Christian life can serve as a compelling witness to a broken and fragmented world," the WCC head concluded.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Romanian Church had expressed opposition to celebrating Easter jointly with Catholics.

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