WCC news: WCC announces transition in representation in Colombia

As part of its ongoing commitment to fostering peace in Colombia, the World Council of Churches (WCC) has announced a transition in its representation in that country’s peace process. Dr Humberto Shikiya and Jenny Neme Neiva. Photo: WCC 19 March 2025 The WCC, together with the United Nations, the Organization of American States, and the Roman Catholic Church, is a permanent accompanier in the peace dialogue between the government of Colombia and the Estado Mayor de los Bloques of the FARC-EP. Jenny Neme Neiva, from the Christian Mennonite Church of Colombia, has been appointed as the WCC’s deputy special envoy to the peace dialogue table. Already well-known among key stakeholders in the process, Neiva, who resides in the country, will assume the primary responsibility for representing the WCC in peace dialogue meetings and related activities. She brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of the Colombian peacebuilding landscape. Dr Humberto Shikiya, who has served as the WCC’s special envoy for the past two years, will transition to the role of WCC senior advisor for peacebuilding in Colombia. In this capacity, he will continue to support and accompany Neiva in her critical work. “Jenny's experience in peace and reconciliation work as a woman of faith, leading social and ecclesial processes in different territories of Colombia, will contribute in a distinctive way to the peace process,” said Shikiya. “Her status as a female leader committed to gender justice will bring that perspective to the different social dialogues on territorial transformations and the participation of women in the construction of peace in different areas,” he added. Additionally, the title of special envoy will now be held by Dr Fernando Enns, a member of the WCC’s governing bodies. This change aims to further integrate the WCC’s commitment to Colombia’s peace process within its central decision-making structures. While not based in Colombia, Enns will make periodic visits to the country to provide strategic guidance. This transition occurs at a time of humanitarian crisis in Catatumbo, reinforcing the urgency of the WCC’s mission. “Through this reconfigured and expanded representation in the search for peace in Colombia, the WCC reaffirms its steadfast commitment to supporting a just and sustainable peace in Colombia,” said Peter Prove, director of the WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs. “We pray for wisdom and strength for all engaged in this vital work.” The WCC team will convene in Colombia from 17-21 March for meetings with government and UN representatives, and for meetings of the consortium through which it is cooperating with the Inter-ecclesial Dialogue for Peace (DiPaz), and the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission. WCC interview: Colombian peace and biodiversity: how are they related? (30 October 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