URI was one of the fourteen International Interfaith Organisations/ Peace Builders  invited for the same. Dr. Gerardo Gonzales (Chile) was also present. He organised a work shop on "Reflection on the initiative aimed at creating a Spiritual Forum for world peace at the United Nations."
 
WCC Assembly is held once in seven years. I also attended the two previous ones in Canberra(1991) and Harare(1998). 347 churches came together this time for the first Assembly held in Latin America, 9th in its sequence ever since its origin in Amsterdam in 1948. There were about 3000 people from all parts of the world. Latin America was at the centre this time with its riches and all its pangs of past experiences.
 
There were three very important interfaith encounters called 'Ecumenical Conversations' under the auspices of the WCC Office on Inter religious Relations and Dialogue. I could actively participate in the discussions on behalf of our Movement.
 
A special meeting was convened by Dr. Hans Ucko (WCC Executive Secretary for Inter religious Relations) of all the representatives of the International Interfaith Organisations/ Peace Builders. All of us had the chance to explain our important activities, visions, dreams and about possible collaboration with the WCC in its pilgrimage of peace. It was a great occasion to know these organisations at close quarters.
 
Other significant sessions other than the general plenaries I participated during the course of the Assembly were the following:
 
    1. AGAPE -- Alternatives to Economic Globalisation
 
    2. Wider Ecumenism: a promise or a threat? ( Many people expressed their apprehensions about interfaith programs and I could         in my humble ways plead for the cause of wider ecumenism -- unity among the whole creation.)
 
    3. Religion and Violence
 
    4. Rays of Hope: South South Exchange on Peace Building
 
    5. Spirituality beyond Religious Traditions.
 
I am so grateful to Andre and his friends in Porto Allegre who made my stay pleasant and joyful. This city has become historical with the hosting of the World Social Forum, which more than hundred thousand people attended. It gave the slogan: "Another life is Possible" which reverberated in the WCC Assembly, too.
 
Abraham Karickam (India)