WCC news: WCC to enter Dialogue on Displacement and Shared Sacred Flourishing

Bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, moderator of the World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee, will participate in a Multi-stakeholder Dialogue on Displacement and Shared Sacred Flourishing on 28 July, organized by Religions for Peace and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).  Bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm during a recent WCC solidarity visit to Ukraine. Photo: Deacon Andrii Sydor/Orthodox Church of Ukraine 27 July 2026 Also attending will be H. E. Metropolitan Emmanuel, Elder Metropolitan of Chalcedon, member of the WCC executive committee and chair of the Advisory Board of the Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities, Bishop Mark Edington, bishop in Charge of the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe, and other religious leaders. In addition to the dialogue, the day will include a commemorative event marking the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention. The dialogue will bring together partners with the Members of the Multi-Religious Council of Leaders, Religions for Peace, and UNHCR leadership, to explore how values-based approaches can strengthen protection, dignity, social cohesion, and solutions for displaced populations, and will provide a space for open exchange between humanitarian actors and faith leaders in a spirit of collaboration. It will also be an opportunity to hear more about the “Shared Sacred Flourishing” framework and its relevance to displacement contexts. The programme will include a closed-door dialogue between Multi-Religious Council of Leaders members and UNHCR; a broader multi-stakeholder dialogue with representatives from the United Nations system, faith-based organizations, refugee communities, and humanitarian and development partners on forced displacement and “Shared Sacred Flourishing;” and a reception for the 75th Anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention. “How we deal with the weakest members of our global community is a test for our humanity,” said Bedford-Strohm. “Nowhere does this become more visible than in our treatment of refugees.” Bedford-Strohm reflected that many refugees have experienced terrible things in their home countries. “In their quest for a safe haven they experience danger, insecurity, and unfortunately often also xenophobia,” he said. “UNHCR is a beacon of light in their care for refugees.” Refugees deserve every possible support, Bedford-Strohm added. “This is why I am happy and proud to now serve on UNHCR’s Multi-religious Council of Leaders,” he said. “Caring for the strangers is not only a political obligation. It is a religious duty!” Multi-Religious Council of Leaders | UNHCR WCC, UN Refugee Agency sign historic memorandum of understanding that deepens collaboration (WCC news release, 1 June 2026) WCC leaders visit UN Refugee Agency (WCC news release, 9 June 2026) WCC delegation makes solidarity visit to Ukraine (WCC news release, 17 July 2026) 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