WCC news: WCC general secretary to Methodist General Conference: “Christian unity matters”

“What is God calling Christians and the Christian Church to do today? Whose and what voices are we listening to?” asked Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in his sermon at the ecumenical worship of the General Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC) on 30 April, in Charlotte, North Carolina (US).  Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay gives the sermon during morning worship at the 2024 United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, N.C., on April 30. The general secretary of the World Council of Churches, Pillay told conference delegates, "Christian unity matters." Photo: Paul Jeffrey/UM News 30 April 2024 “God uses a number of instruments to reach and transform the world, including and especially the church,” added Pillay. “Christians need to stand up for justice and we need to stand together. In unity is our strength. “Together we can live and fulfil God’s vision for the world. Together! Christian unity matters.” Pillay went on to stress that the church is called to constantly work towards forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity, “bearing in mind its agency in transforming society so that all may have the fullness of life,” said the WCC general secretary.  The long-delayed UMC General Conference began 23 April under the theme “…and know that I am God.” The conference typically gathers every four years. But because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the assembly could not meet in 2020.  Delegates from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the US are attending the 11-day gathering, which attracts as many as 7,500 people. Delegates, elected from around the world, are gathered to set policy and direction for the church, as well as handle other important business. After attending the UMC General Conference in North Carolina, Pillay continues his agenda in the US in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where on 1 May, he will meet Dr William M. Wilson, chairman of the Pentecostal World Fellowship and president of Oral Roberts University. Read the full sermon by Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay Photo gallery by UM News UMC General Conference Ecumenical and Methodist partners gather with United Methodist Bishop Sally Dyck (third from left) on the stage of the 2024 United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, N.C. Photo: Mike DuBose/UM News 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