WCC news: As Presbyterian Church in Taiwan celebrates 160 years, WCC offers special greetings

World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay commemorated the 160th anniversary of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan with special greetings reflecting on the anniversary theme “Dwelling in God`s Abundance.”  Photo: PCT Press 23 April 2025 On 23 April, Pillay preached during a service commemorating the anniversary. “You have chosen an appropriate theme for this anniversary celebration,” said Pillay. “Easter speaks of God`s abundant love.” The church that dwells in God`s justice, Pillay continued, cannot remain idle and detached from the concerns of the world around us. “The church is tasked to accept and live out its prophetic witness, proclaiming Christ and God`s justice in the world,” he said. “Unfortunately, too many churches are caught up with the notion of success viewed in power, wealth, and numbers.” Pillay noted that, often, we think abundance is equated to success and power. “However, what we learn from the example of Jesus is that it is not success that matters but faithfulness,” he said. “Faithfulness to God and faithful witness to God in a struggling and suffering world.” Speaking about the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan, Pillay concluded: “You have maintained this faithful witness.”  Pillay is also attending the 70th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan, being held from 22-24 April. Read the full sermon by the WCC general secretary Photo gallery In Taiwan, WCC general secretary reflects “we are to be agents of justice and reconciliation” (WCC news release, 22 April 2025) WCC general secretary to share in Presbyterian Church in Taiwan 70th General Assembly (WCC news release, 17 April 2025) 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