Bishop Kenney leads WCC workshop on Gothenburg process

Bishop William Kenney CP, Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham and International Chairperson of the Gothenburg Process, presented a workshop about the Gothenburg Process at the World Council of Churches, International Ecumenical Peace Convocation, in Kingston Jamaica on Tuesday 24 May.

The purpose of the Convocation held on the Mona campus of the University of West Indies, 17-25 May was to: "Encourage individuals and churches to renew their commitment to non-violence, peace and justice."

The Convocation approached its work through four areas: "Peace in the Community", Peace with the Earth", Peace in the Marketplace, and Peace among the Peoples". Worships were lead by Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox.

On his return to England Bishop Kenney said: "About 30 delegates representing churches in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East attended my two-hour workshop - one of 50 workshops held simultaneously"

Within the Gothenburg process, churches and church related organisations are working together ecumenically, with the aim to raise the understanding and the knowledge of the ethical challenges posed by the arms trade. The process also encourages an inclusive and constructive dialogue with the defence industry, with control authorities and armed forces.

Bishop Kenney, who is also spokesman on Europe for the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, said: "The main purpose of my workshop about the work of the Gothenburg Process was to encourage the churches to take seriously their responsibility concerning the trade in small armaments."

Asked for a definition of small armaments Bishop Kenney said: "In general terms small armaments are arms that can be carried by soldiers, terrorists, or criminals."

Within the Gothenburg process, churches and church related organisations are working together ecumenically, with the aim to raise the understanding and the knowledge of the ethical challenges posed by the arms trade. The process also encourages an inclusive and constructive dialogue with the defence industry, with control authorities and armed forces.

Bishop Kenney explained that after a short introduction about the Gothenburg Process he engaged in a question and answer session with the delegates. He said: "Delegates were amazed by the sheer quantities of small arms that are traded throughout the world today. It was without doubt the theme that reoccurred in question after question..... In conflict situations most people are killed or injured by light weapons."

Asked if he was pleased with his two-hour workshop, Bishop William Kenney said: "The point of the Gothenburg Process is to inform people and in that respect it was successful.. It is now up to the delegates to talk to people and spread the message and raise awareness in their home, mainly Protestant, churches."

Pope Benedict XVI spoke about the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation during his Regina Caeli Message in St Peter's Square, Rome, on Sunday 22 May. The Holy Father commended the work of more than 1,000 delegates who gathered to explore ways to move towards a just peace across the world.

Pope Benedict said: "Let us join in prayer for this noble intention, and recommit ourselves to eliminating violence in families, in society and in the international community."