WCC news: Navigating crisis with courage: adaptive change and ethical resolve

Participants of the annual meeting between the World Council of Churches (WCC) and church-related agencies working in humanitarian aid, development, and international advocacy spent time on 29 April reflecting that geopolitical priorities are shifting, with many governments divesting in development to invest in defense—or at least moving money from aid to military. The annual meeting between the WCC and specialized ministries took place at the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, near Geneva, Switzerland. Photo: Gloria Charles/WCC 1 May 2025 Funding structures are changing, longstanding ways of working are being challenged, and increasingly multilateralism is being usurped by expressions of minilateralism.  The world has changed dramatically—and rapidly. In recent years, most developed countries have steadily reduced their commitments to international aid. This is not a momentary dip, but part of a broader shift in global priorities. Participants of the Working Together meeting reflected that the world is living through an era of geopolitical transformation, marked by renewed conflicts, emerging tensions, and a redefinition of values on the global stage. Yet, as the old saying goes, they agreed that “we must not waste a crisis.” Crises are not simply obstacles—they are opportunities to reflect, reassess, and intentionally shape the future. As participants gathered to discuss adaptive change and forward thinking, they felt called not just to respond, but to lead. Ethical responsibilities But alongside strategic clarity, the group represented also reckoned with their ethical responsibilities. In today’s climate of financial constraints and political tension, the dominant discourse often focuses on the short term. Yet the long-term ethical implications—for the organizations, our communities, and future generations—are profound. We must ask: What are the ethical legacies we are leaving behind? Multilateralism, human rights, and solidarity—never perfect—are now visibly under threat. Power politics, transactional diplomacy, and securitized aid have re-emerged. This is particularly troubling for faith-based and faith-inspired organizations, whose ethical principles are being tested in unprecedented ways. These dilemmas raise two fundamental questions: What are the consequences of our choices for intergenerational justice? And what is the cost to our own moral well-being? Participants agreed that they entered this work driven by values, yet now find themselves compromising those values—leading to moral injury: a deep, often hidden wound that can erode emotional and ethical cores. Photo gallery WCC general secretary: “In challenging times, working together more important than ever” (WCC news release, 28 April 2025) “Pursuing Peace Together” - WCC publishes Annual Review 2024 (WCC news release, 28 April 2025) “Working Together” will be “vital space to listen deeply, speak courageously, imagine boldly” (WCC news release, 24 April 2025) 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