BIRMINGHAM, AL — The ecumenical group Christian Churches Together in the U.S.A. (CCT) marked its 20th anniversary with a special forum in Birmingham, AL, on October 6-9, bringing together representatives of 34 Christian communions and organizations to reflect on two decades of ecumenical cooperation and consider the organization’s future.
Among those honored during the anniversary gathering was Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Diocesan Legate and Ecumenical Director of the Eastern Diocese, who was recognized as one of CCT’s founding leaders. Archbishop Vicken, who participated in the organization’s establishment two decades ago, also delivered the forum’s principal address representing the Orthodox family of churches.
Held under the theme “Giving Thanks, Renewing Hope,” the anniversary forum featured prayer, dialogue, and presentations by Christian leaders from across the country. The program included an address by civil rights leader Ambassador Andrew Young, along with visits to historic sites associated with Birmingham’s civil rights movement.
In his address, Archbishop Vicken reflected on the hopes that accompanied the founding of Christian Churches Together, and on the challenges of sustaining relationships among churches with different histories, traditions, and theological perspectives.
“Christian Churches Together was born from a simple — but rather daring — idea: that Christians who do not agree about everything can still come together as Christians,” Archbishop Vicken said.
He emphasized that genuine ecumenical fellowship does not require churches to set aside their distinctive identities or convictions. Rather, he suggested, Christians can encounter one another in the fullness of their respective traditions while recognizing their common faith in Jesus Christ.
