WCC news: WCC to World Economic Forum: “Spirit of Dialogue” essential for a more just world

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay communicated a message to the World Economic Forum, meeting under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue.”  Photo: Paul Jeffrey/Life on Earth 20 January 2026 Pillay noted that the World Council of Churches, like the United Nations, is founded on a commitment to unity and cooperation, and seeks to promote the resolution of differences and disputes through dialogue rather than through confrontation and conflict.  “Extreme levels of inequality – and its corrosive impacts on politics and society – cannot be bridged simply by unfettered economic growth,” said Pillay. “The claim that a rising tide of development lifts all boats has been exposed as a disingenuous myth.” Morality and political necessity demand a more honest dialogue and response to this challenge, Pillay urged.  “A strengthened spirit of dialogue is also essential because the climate crisis is outpacing the world’s political and moral capacity to respond, leaving frontline communities exposed to escalating, preventable harm,” said Pillay. “This fuels mistrust and the perception that climate processes serve the powerful more than the vulnerable.” Genuine energy security can only be anchored in an equitable transition to renewable energy sources, he reflected. “The WCC therefore calls on participants in Davos to grapple honestly and urgently with the systemic threats posed by spiralling inequality, the proliferation of mis- and dis-information, the necessity of justice and human rights as a basis for sustainable peace, and our collective failure to respond adequately to the climate catastrophe and its impacts,” concluded Pillay. “It is our prayer and hope that ‘A Spirit of Dialogue’ will turn into concrete actions to create a more just, equitable and peaceful world for all people and all creation.” Read the full message 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 356 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