WCC NEWS: WCC general secretary highlights how WCC proclaims God’s justice in the world

In a report to the World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee, WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay reflected that, particularly during the past several months, his focus has been to lift the profile of the WCC. “I believe that this is being achieved in major proportions,” he said. “I am also grateful that many of the invitations that come my way are also graciously funded by the inviters and this certainly helps our budget constraints, especially when the requests for the general secretary’s presence are so numerous.” Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC general secretary. Photo: Peter Williams/WCC 21 November 2024 He also reported on the Working Group on Palestine and Israel and, offering an overview of WCC programmes, Pillay highlighted some of the activities and events undertaken in the WCC’s programme areas since the last executive committee meeting in June. “It is important to note that the programmes are aligned to the WCC objectives and priorities,” he said. “Moreover, they communicate how the WCC continues to witness within the fellowship and beyond as we encourage transforming discipleship.” Pillay described preparations underway for Ecumenical Year 2025, as well highlights under the WCC’s Public Witness and Diakonia area. “Efforts have intensified to support churches in engaging with UN human rights mechanisms,” he said. “Marking ten years of partnership with UNICEF, the WCC has worked with various partners to address climate justice, violence against children, and rights protection.” “It is offered to the executive committee for further discussion and processing to the central committee meeting in June 2025,” Pillay explained, who also outlined how the WCC continues to foster innovative and inspiring communication. In his conclusion, Pillay noted that, amidst the global challenges, the WCC remains vigilant, firm, and faithful in its witness. "Our faith calls us to foster Christian unity and proclaim God’s justice in the world,” he said. The WCC executive committee is convening in Paralimni, Cyprus, from 21-26 November to focus on planning for 2025, including the budget and implementation of WCC strategies. The thematic focus of the gathering is on peace-building in the context of occupation, war, and conflicts. Read the full report WCC executive committee to convene in Cyprus with focus on peace-building (WCC news release, 21 November 2024) WCC moderator: “What do we mean when we talk about speaking truth to power?” (WCC news release, 21 November 2024) See more

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. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland