It is not clear when the symbol was first adopted for the ecumenical movement but it was in use before the inauguration of the WCC in 1948. It is likely the symbol of a boat has its origin in the Gospel stories of the calling by Jesus of Galilean fishermen and the stilling of the storm by Jesus on the lake of Galilee. Return to list of Frequently asked questions . The highest decision-making body is the Assembly which meets approximately once every seven years. The Eighth Assembly was held in Harare, Zimbabwe, 3-14 December 1998.
WCC assemblies are both business and celebration events.
Up to 4,000 people attended the Harare Assembly. The current moderator of the central committee is His Holiness Aram I, head of the Armenian Apostolic Church. For more information click to governing bodies . Return to list of Frequently asked questions . During the WCC's Eighth Assembly in December 1998 in Harare, Zimbabwe, delegates representing all the WCC's member churches were asked to approve a major policy document setting forth a shared understanding of and vision for ecumenical engagement.