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Meelis Süld: “we are one, different expressions of Christ's body”

August 5, 2026 · 1 min read

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Wed, 08/05/2026 - 14:16

Meelis Süld - pastor, journalist and general secretary of the Council of Lutheran Churches in Great Britain - reflects on why church unity is important, and what are the ecumenical resources that help the most.

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Rev. Meelis Süld, general secretary of the Council of Lutheran Churches in Great Britain

Photo: Olev Mihkelmaa

Last year, you visited the World Council of Churches. What stays with you even today?

Süld: For me, meeting the World Council of Churches (WCC) was a good reminder of how important it is that we as churches work together – that we are one. As St Paul writes, "There is one body and one Spirit" (Ephesians 4:4).

Separately, churches can express their opinions, and many do, and should do, but there's a greater significance if we bring ourselves together, agree with each other, and let the world know. I always say that the credibility of Christianity and Christians depends on our common voice. We do, of course, value diversity and the multitude of Christian worship, but in core matters, if we want to…

Source: World Council of Churches · Read the full story →

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💬 Comments (5) 🌐 Show original

Alžbeta Nováková

I agree that a common voice carries more weight. When I was at the ecumenical service in the church in Košice last year, I could feel that even though we pray a little differently, we are really one body. As St. Paul in Ephesians 4:4, one faith, one Spirit.

Ivana Kováčová

I agree, Alžbeta, the feeling of unity in Košice is very concrete - I remember how my husband and I once stood in line for Holy Communion there and it was clear that people from different churches really see themselves as one body. I would be interested in which church in Košice it was, because we were in the evangelical one.

Lukáš Šimko

I agree, Alžbeta, the ecumenical feeling in Košice is really strong. Last year, my husband and I were at a similar service in the Orthodox church on Moyzesova Street, and it felt the same way there - people from different churches prayed together, although each in their own way. Which church were you in?

Jana Nováková

I agree, Elizabeth, that verse from Ephesians 4:4 always impresses me the most at ecumenical services. Last year, I was with my daughters at a similar meeting in the Orthodox church in Michalovce, and you could see how people from different churches respect each other even when singing together. Which church in Košice did you attend?

Ondrej Novák

I agree, Ivana, the feeling of unity in Košice will really remain in the memory. My daughter and I were in the evangelical church on Hlavná Street, there was the joint service. What year did you and your husband go there?