“The insights of the Synodal Encyclical have had a lasting impact on the ecumenical movement,” said CEC President Rev. Christian Krieger at the anniversary event “Synodal Encyclical of 1920: 100 Years of Exceptional Influence” celebrating one of the most significant ecumenical documents.
The event was hosted by the Ecumenical Patriarchate on 1 December in Istanbul, under the theme “To the Church of Christ everywhere”.
Speaking about the 1920 Encyclical, Krieger shared that the document calls us to “move away from isolationism, and move towards ecclesial communion and cooperation.”
“In doing so, such cooperation is undoubtedly a progressive impetus. As you can see, the Protestant theologians welcome this encyclical with gratitude, especially for its visionary character, combining the resonance of ecclesial communion with that of ecumenical cooperation.”
“It is important to continue studying the Synodal Encyclical and be inspired by its insights and its prophetic vision,” added Krieger.
His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, in his opening speech, referred extensively to the important spirit of the Synodal Encyclical. “The Encyclical of 1920 is evidence of the sensitivity of the Great Church to the good testimony in the world, which is always changing and evolving.”
“The reference of the Encyclical to the signs of the times recalls the eternal duty of the Church to give a word "about the hope in the face of historical challenges" and to highlight the same positive challenge for man, culture and cultures, in every era,” he added.
The CEC president also expressed his honour to be celebrating the anniversary, conveying his gratitude to the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, together with the organisers.