Tuesday, November 21, 2023

WCC News: WCC expresses solidarity and support for National Council of Churches in Korea 72nd General Assembly

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay sent greetings on 20 November to the National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK) 72nd General Assembly, which is gathering under the theme “God of Life, Restore the Creation by your Love.” 
WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay preaching at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, First Abuja Parish on Sunday 12 November 2023. Photo: Aregbe Segun Abraham/WCC
21 November 2023

“As we are all acutely aware, we live in a time of converging crises of proliferating conflicts, renewed risks of nuclear war, growing social polarization and division, spiralling economic inequality, the persistent impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and accelerating loss of the Earth’s biodiversity, all compounded by the global climate emergency that is already upon us,” he said. “The life in abundance envisaged by God for all God’s people, and indeed the very future of the living planet created by God, are imperilled by this unprecedented constellation of existential challenges.”

All Christians, together with all people of good will, are called urgently to respond to these threats, said Pillay. 

“Your assembly anticipates and looks forward to the NCCK’s centenary next year,” Pillay said. “Indeed, over its long history, NCCK has a distinguished heritage of ecumenical witness and action against dictatorship and militarism, for peace, for care for creation, and for human rights for all.”

That heritage remains an inspiration for the wider global ecumenical movement, Pillay  noted. 

“In addition to the NCCK’s centenary, 2024 will also mark the 40th anniversary of the Tozanso consultation, the pivotal event in the history of ecumenical efforts for peace, reconciliation and reunification on the Korean Peninsula,” he said. “Despite – or because of – the current re-escalation of confrontation and tensions in the region, the WCC remains deeply committed to that vision, and to supporting inter-Korean leadership for peace and reunification of the divided Korean people.”

Pillay concluded: “In the meantime, may the love and peace of our compassionate Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ be upon you, and continue to guide and empower you,” he concluded.

Message from WCC general secretary to the 72nd General Assembly of the National Council of Churches in Korea

Video recording of the WCC message to the NCCK assembly

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The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa.

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