Former WCC general secretary Konrad Raiser reflected that the 75th anniversary of the WCC is being commemorated at a time when, once again, a new generation has taken up the responsibility for the life and future development of the WCC. “While the fundamental vocation of the WCC has remained unchanged since its inauguration in 1948, each generation has responded to the major challenges facing the witness of the Christian churches at its time,” Raiser wrote. “Through the decades the WCC has again and again served as an indicator of emerging changes and transformations in church and society. Seeking to respond to the signs of the times the WCC has matured as a living fellowship of churches who are engaged in a pilgrimage of justice, reconciliation and unity.” Most Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, presiding bishop of the Church of Norway and former WCC general secretary, said it was his privilege as a church leader in Norway to affirm the significant work the WCC is doing all over the world. “The World Council of Churches is needed as before, maybe even more than before, to bring our witness together as churches for justice, for peace, for unity, and to make us able to make a joint witness in the world,” he said. Fr Ioan Sauca, former WCC general secretary, said that, if the WCC did not exist, we would have to invent it. “The WCC is vital for Christianity and for our future because it’s the only international platform I’m aware of where everybody can come even if we disagree.” Rev. Dr Ofelia Ortega, Presbyterian-Reformed Church in Cuba and a former WCC president, said WCC pilgrim team visits are needed especially in Latin-America and the Caribbean. “We also feel that the search for unity must always be accompanied by the issues and concerns of our people,” she said. “We believe that hope for the future is what we are receiving now for all the work that the World Council of Churches is doing for us today.” Rev. Dr Sang Chang, Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea and former WCC president, spent some moments looking into WCC’s history. “The WCC’s 75-year history is a history of the pilgrimage we walked along together while confessing our unshakable faith in Christ,” she said. “As we now look back on our footsteps, reflect on 75 years of confessions and commitment of devotion, we can’t help but be overwhelmed by God’s grace throughout those 75 years. We can’t help but congratulate ourselves with the deepest sense of gratitude, and we can’t help but pray for God’s help in tomorrow’s calling.” The Evangelical Church in Germany called for ecumenical cooperation worldwide on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the WCC. “We can only face global crises such as the climate crisis, racism or escalating private and public violence worldwide together,” said Evangelical Church in Germany Bishop Petra Bosse-Huber. The president of the Ecumenical Development Foundation of Uruguay, Carmen Mondelli, also shared a message of peace. “May our good God, Creator and Savior, light your way so that the World Council of Churches continues to be a guiding light for Christians around the world,” wrote Mondelli. The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) sent warm greetings. “The WCC's engagement in social justice issues, such as human rights, climate change, poverty alleviation, and peace building, has been commendable,” the letter reads. “By raising awareness, advocating for change, and supporting grassroots initiatives, you have made a significant impact in addressing the pressing challenges of our time.” His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia sent a congratulatory message. “I extend to you my heartfelt greetings on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the World Council of Churches – the largest international organisation serving as a place of encounter and dialogue for Christians of different traditions,” he wrote. Gertrude Fefoame, Presbyterian Church of Ghana, WCC Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network, said she was filled with joy for the past blessings and hope for the future. “It is our preyer that the leaders today will be strengthened and would energize efforts to fast-track inclusivity so that we have a holistic ecumenical movement,” she said. Rt. Rev. Arnold C. Temple, Methodist Church Sierra Leone and president of the All Africa Conference of Churches, said we intend to stick together. “We have stayed together for 75 years and we continue our journey in the search for justice and freedom we seek for our world as the manifestation of the kingdom of God,” he said. “Our search for ecological and water justice cannot be ignored.” Junita Giunita, Toraja Church, Indonesia, who served as a young communicator at the WCC 11th Assembly, extended her congratulations. “For me, the ecumenical journey is an extraordinary journey, a journey full of experience with respecting each other as sisters and brothers, a journey to ensure God’s love for all God’s creation, a journey to grow together and celebrate life and diversity,” she said. “Deeply in my heart, I am feeling beyond grateful for all of you who have commitment, and worked and gave your lives for the ecumenical life in WCC.” H.E. Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Church, said the WCC’s 75th anniversary is indeed a special celebration. “We pray for the continued work of the World Council of Churches—of the leadership team, the staff, the supporters, the members of the whole body of Christ around the world, that we will continue to journey together with Him and towards Him in the life to come,” he said. Olivia Baro, ecumenical youth enabler, Pacific Conference of Churches, amplified the cry of creation. “It has been a privilege to journey with some of our Pacific young people and also the World Council of Churches staff in this Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace for our countries and our people.” The World YWCA wrote: “Congratulations to our partner on their 75th anniversary, celebrating 75 years of dedicated work in fostering unity, compassion, and faith worldwide!” Urban Monastics wrote: “Our world and the church are blessed by 75 years of the World Council of Churches. Their faithfulness has fostered dialogue, collaboration, and faith. Our organization would struggle to be ecumenical without their leadership. May all the children of God, and His churches, flourish.” 75th anniversary of the WCC WCC retirees joyfully gather to celebrate 75th anniversary of the global fellowship (WCC news release 24 August 2023) Ecumenical Patriarch on WCC 75th anniversary: “a time for renewal of commitment” (WCC news release 3 July 2023) Clear message as WCC celebrates 75 years: “Trust your young people” (WCC news release 27 June 2023) World Council of Churches celebrates 75 years, to dance, song, evoking special memories (WCC news release 26 June 2023) World Council of Churches marks 75th anniversary with prayer and celebration (WCC news release 25 June 2023) | 
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