Word: visser
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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DIED. Willem A. Visser 't Hooft, 84, Dutch clergyman, theologian and ecumenicist who was the founding general secretary of the World Council of Churches from its formation in 1948 until 1966; of emphysema; in Geneva. The lifelong crusader for Christian unity saw the W.C.C. go from 135 denominations in 44 countries to 300 in 90 countries. A crusty, rather worldly theologian, Visser 't Hooft insisted that the council include churches in Communist countries, increased the role and influence of African and Asian churches in the organization and pioneered an ecumenical rapprochement with Rome, though his goal of bringing Roman Catholicism...
...emphasis on such complex social problems as racism and political oppression than on traditional spiritual concerns. Last week in Geneva the council took a step toward a more tranquil course with the election of a new General Secretary: Emilio Castro, 57, a Methodist minister from Uruguay. Dutch Ecumenist Willem Visser 't Hooft, 83, the organization's first chief officer, said that Castro "is more of a bridge builder between those who want to emphasize the role of the church in the world and those who favor the evangelical approach...
...confessed and taught." John Paul, with his well-publicized disciplinary policies regarding two progressive theologians, West Germany's Hans Küng and the Dominican Edward Schillebeeckx of The Netherlands, has probably slowed down the forward momentum, in the eyes of non-Catholic liberals, at least. Says W.A. Visser 't Hooft, 81, co-founder of the World Council of Churches: "Let's face it. The Pope remains a theological conservative. There are great differences between his image and reality. In a way, KRAFT the church is still scared by its own courage at Vatican...