Worldwide trends in the Christian Church are changing the "ecclesial and ecumenical landscape in the 21st century". That is the opinion of Kenya-born Rev Dr Samuel Kobia, the general secretary of the World Council of Churches, who was in Trinidad July 28 for a one day visit to meet with the leadership of the Caribbean Conference of Churches ( CCC ).

The CCC - of which the Catholic Church is a founding member has its headquarters in Trinidad with offices in Jamaica and Antigua . It is the regional affiliate of the WCC, which is based in Geneva, Switzerland .

The Holy See is not a WCC member but has active observer status. Accompanying Rev Kobia on his visit to the Caribbean was Marta Palma, WCC programme executive for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Rev Dr Kobia met and spoke to local and regional Christian church leaders during his short stay. Present at a dinner held in his honour at Chaconia Hotel (formerly Chaconia Inn), Maraval, were CCC general secretary Gerard Granado and representatives of the Methodist, Moravian, Anglican, Catholic, Ethiopian Orthodox and Presbyterian Churches.

Vicar General Msgr Christian Pereira and Jamaica-born Bishop Donald Reece of the diocese of St John's-Basseterre (which includes Antigua , Barbuda and Montserrat ) represented the archdiocese and the Antilles Episcopal Conference of Bishops respectively.

Bishop Reece, who did the opening prayer, was also present in his capacity as one of the three CCC presidents. Specially invited to Trinidad for the visit was Antiguan Donnalie Edwards-Cabey, a member of the Central Committee of the WCC and a former member of the CCC 's governing board known as the Continuation Committee.

In his talk, Rev Dr Kobia said one of the world-wide trends noticed was many Christians are moving towards non-denominationalism. Young people seem to be migrating away from mainline churches into non-denominational "mega-churches", he said.

This is because young people "couldn't care less" of the divisions that took place centuries ago which split the Christian Church. Another trend is the growth of Pentecostalism, which is impacting on the forms of worship in mainline churches. "Many seem more at home with this kind of worship."

Rev Kobia also pointed out that in a few years, the bastion of the Christian Church in the 21st century will be on the continents of Africa and Asia due to "the decline of Christianity in Europe and North America ."

On the ecumenical front, he said the WCC has noticed that Christian Churches are moving towards a "loose platform" of working together, "forming alliances" based on "shared moral and cultural values." This, he felt, may be an emerging "model of ecumenism".

Rev Kobia outlined some of the key issues facing the world today, among them: the sense of insecurity and fear; senseless violence, especially towards women and children; finding a national identity; inter-religious dialogue; and inter-generational issues.

Touching on the sense of insecurity and fear, he commented that the US was hated by some and, for the most part, the world's only “superpower" was resented for its international policies.

He said he was particularly concerned with the senseless violence in the world today. "It is a type of sickness human beings have acquired," he remarked.

The first part of Rev Kobia's talk to CCC staff, religious leaders and the media focussed on Africa - its contribution to Christianity, to world development, and its status today.

Before giving an ecumenical benediction, chair of the CCC 's Praesidium, president Rev Dr Lesley Anderson, gave closing remarks. He said he was grateful for the relations with the WCC and was hopeful for a continuing "meaningful and sincere partnership". "We pray for you and your staff," said the Panamanian Methodist minister to Rev Kobia. He then thanked him for his "support and commitment to the Caribbean ."

Rev Kobia was presented with a piece of artwork depicting the steel band culture, as well as a book on the history of the steel pan. The WCC general secretary left Trinidad the following day to continue his first Caribbean visit, bound for Cuba and Haiti . - RS