50 years ago — August 5, 1968
“We heard the cry of those who long for peace; of the hungry and exploited who demand bread and justice; of the victims of discrimination who claim human dignity; and the increasing millions who seek for the meaning of life.”
We hear God say, “I go before you. … Anticipate my Kingdom in joyful worship and daring acts. The Lord says, ‘I make all things new.’”
All people “have become neighbors to one another. Torn by our diversities and tensions, we do not yet know how to live together. But God makes new. Christ wants his church to foreshadow a renewed human community.
Therefore, we Christians will manifest our unity in Christ by entering into full fellowship with those of other races, classes, age, religious and political convictions, in the place where we live. Especially we shall seek to overcome racism wherever it appears.”
From “The message from Uppsala,” an excerpt from the closing statement of the Fourth Assembly of the World Council of Churches
