Tuesday, January 23, 2024

WCC News: WCC general secretary opens New York symposium on human rights and dignity

World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay opened the 10th Annual Symposium on the Role of Religion and Faith-based Organizations in International Affairs on 23 January in New York City, with reflections on the theme “Human Rights and Dignity: Towards a Just, Peaceable, and Inclusive Future.” 
WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay addressed the symposium online from the WCC headquarters in Geneva. Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC
23 January 2024

Pillay joined hundreds online who were commemorating the tenth anniversary of the symposium. of which the WCC is one of the founding members.

“This pivotal moment not only marks a decade of robust dialogue and collaboration but also underscores the indispensable role of faith-based actors in shaping a world where human rights are at the core of our collective aspirations,” said Pillay. “We believe that God has placed us as caregivers and caretakers of this world, both the people and planet.”

Pillay reflected that the very fabric of our societies is woven with the threads of dignity, justice, and compassion. “It is incumbent upon us, as custodians of faith and moral conscience, to champion these universal values that transcend borders, beliefs, and backgrounds,” he said. “Our faith traditions, spanning continents and cultures, share a fundamental commitment to human rights.”

Pillay also spoke of the challenges facing the world today. 

“Our commitment to human rights demands unwavering determination to address these issues at their core,” he said. “We must confront the structures and systems that perpetuate human suffering, dismantle barriers to equality, and foster inclusive societies where every person can flourish.”

Within these challenges lie tremendous opportunities, Pillay further noted. “The convergence of faith and advocacy for human rights has the power to catalyze positive change on a global scale,” he said. “The partnerships forged between faith-based organizations, civil society, governments, and international institutions are testaments to the transformative potential of collective action.”

Address by Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC General Secretary

10th Annual Symposium on the Role of Religion and Faith-Based Organizations in International Affairs

WCC 11th Assembly statement: "The Things That Make For Peace: Moving the World to Reconciliation and Unity"

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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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