WCC News: WCC general secretary shares message with Global Network for Religions for Children Sixth Forum

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay shared a special message with the Global Network for Religions for Children Sixth Forum, taking place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from 19-21 November under the theme “Interfaith Cooperation to Build a Hopeful World for Children.” WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay shares a special message with the participants of the Global Network for Religions for Children Sixth Forum, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 20 November 2024. Photo: WCC 20 November 2024 Each day of the forum is featuring special messages of hope and commitment from religious leaders, offering inspiration to the children of the world. Pillay’s message focused on how the WCC initiative “Churches’ Commitments to Children” reflects the inherent dignity of children as well as the responsibilities held by all of humanity to protect and nurture them. Pillay noted that, as Christians, we believe children are created in the image of God. “We are guided by strong understanding of the deeply precious yet vulnerable place that children hold within our families, households, churches, and societies,” he said. “Let us model ecological stewardship as faith leaders by ensuring that we do not contribute to the root causes of global warming,” he said.  Our faith, Pillay added, compels us to be eco-friendly and adaptive to the impacts of climate change.  “As faith leaders, we have a unique role in building a hopeful world for children that is safe, secure, and sustainable,” he said. “We know that there are amazing examples of companies that converted entirely to renewable energies while keeping all employees.” Pillay invited all those of good will to join the Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity.  “Through God’s forgiveness and grace, we are continually being renewed and empowered to heal the wounds and reach positive transformation with and for children,” he said.  On 21 November. WCC Children and Climate programme executive Frederique Seidel will lead a panel discussion on responsible lifestyles, intended to reach a shared understanding of the key challenges facing children today and coming up with practical recommendations on how families, communities, and faith-based groups can build a hopeful world for children. Speakers and panelists of the Global Network for Religions for Children Sixth Forum included also the Right Revd. Julio Murray, Archbishop and Primate of the Anglican Church of Central America, H.E. Emmanuel Adamakis, Elder Metropolitan of Chalcedon, Ecumenical Patriarchate and Rev. Dr. Fidon Mwombeki, general secretary of All Africa Conference of Churches. Video message of the WCC general secretary for the Global Network for Religions for Children Sixth Forum Learn more about the Global Network for Religions for Children Sixth Forum WCC message for the Global Network for Religions for Children Sixth Forum 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 Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland