World Methodist Council General Secretary Ivan Abrahams attended a consultation held by The Global Christian Forum 2-5 November. The consultation explored “Discrimination, Persecution, Martyrdom: Following Christ Together,” in Tirana, Albania. General Secretary Abrahams participated in the 3-day consultation which included representatives from over 60 persecuted churches as well as over 100 churches, organizations, and others standing in solidarity.
During a panel group comprised of representatives to the consultation from churches in solidarity, General Secretary Abrahams presented a paper which is available online. Also in attendance at the consultation were other representatives from Methodist/Wesleyan church bodies including Prof. Robert Gribben, chair of the World Methodist Council Ecumenical Relationships Committee; Bishop Chibuzo Raphael Opoko, Secretary of the Conference for Methodist Church Nigeria; Bishop Sammy Azariah from the Church of Pakistan . Following the 3-day consultation, participants were able to tour the area and see noteable sites where the Apostle Paul and early Christians visited and worshipped.