WCC — Norwegian theologian Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit was elected seventh general secretary of the World Council of Churches during its central committee meeting in August. At 48, Tveit will be the youngest general secretary since Willem A. Visser ‘t Hooft who led the WCC while it was forming more than 60 years ago.
“This task I really feel is the call of God. I feel that we have a lot to do together,” said Tveit in his acceptance speech. He stressed the spirit of unity that dominated the whole process and expressed hope that it will continue to reign in the common journey.
Since 2002, Tveit has been the general secretary of the Church of Norway Council on Ecumenical and International Relations, and is a member of the WCC Faith and Order Plenary Commission.
Tveit was one of two candidates standing for election to the WCC’s highest administrative post. He will replace outgoing general secretary Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia who in February 2008 informed the council he would not seek a second term in office.
