WCC News: WCC invites global fellowship to mark 75th anniversary

The World Council of Churches (WCC) is inviting the global fellowship, partners, and friends to celebrate its 75th anniversary. 25 June 2023, Geneva, Switzerland: Birthday cake pictured as the World Council of Churches central committee – gathered in Geneva on 21-27 June 2023 for its first full meeting following the WCC 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe in 2022 – celebrates 75 years since the founding of the Council in 1948. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 17 August 2023 Focusing on promoting understanding and cooperation among Christians worldwide, the WCC is marking the anniversary as a stepping stone toward the future, representing an an opportunity to share what the WCC offers spiritually as an organization for future generations. The global fellowship is offering an opportunity to contribute a “birthday gift” to keep the momentum of the powerful experience of the WCC 11th Assembly in 2022. Younger generations will be celebrating with their own special messages, and the WCC also hopes to raise awareness of current challenges and key examples of past activities that speak to the present challenges.  Anniversary commemorations—which will take place throughout the rest of 2023—will also inspire member churches and the wider fellowship to share their perspective about the ecumenical journey. As the WCC’s activities become visible to member churches, partners, and the wider public, the 75th anniversary will ultimately raise the profile of the WCC. The WCC will ensure member churches are kept informed about the 75th anniversary—through accessible and diverse material online—so that they can find inspiring ways to join the celebration. Who is celebrating? From WCC member churches and partners; to church, ecumenical,  and interfaith youth groups; to church and secular media, all are invited to journey together for this full and deep expression of unity. In the larger picture, the 75th anniversary commemoration will help the world see the WCC as a platform that brings Christians together even in very difficult times, helping Christians in different situations to see the world from the perspective of others, to show compassion for one another, and to build trust as a vital part of the ecumenical journey. WCC member churches worldwide will draw inspiration for strengthening the fellowship, spiritual life, youth engagement, interreligious dialogue and cooperation, promoting care for God’s creation, wellness and wellbeing, combatting racism, and building a just community of women and men. World Council of Churches celebrates 75 years, to dance, song, evoking special memories (WCC news release, 26 June 2023) Donate to the World Council of Churches The Assemblies of the World Council of Churches - Amsterdam 1948 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 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland