Singing for Reconciliation

Pers Harling

"Sing", he exhorted his audience, "sing for all the people around the world who sing for reconciliation". Participants joined worship leader Patrick Matsikenyiri from Zimbabwe in a Mozambican hymn of praise for God’s care and, led by musician Pablo Sosa of Argentina, turned rhythmic, joyful noise into a song declaring "Este Momento! Now is the Time!"

Congress worship leaders were called into service for the post-dinner program because members of the performing group Isangano from Rwanda were denied visas. Lamenting the group’s absence, Sosa commented, "We’re improvising, with pleasure, but we feel there’s something missing."

The program at Congress 2001’s opening banquet included the introductions, by WACC President Albert Van Den Heuvel, of participants by region and of several special guests, including leaders of Dutch Protestant traditions in the process of uniting, and Frits Brink, the president of the Dutch broadcasting company Nederlandse Christelikje Radio Vereniging.