WCC News: “Life and Work” centenary conference will seek fresh commitment to unity for church and humanity

A “Life and Work” centenary conference will be held 18-20 May in Athens to seek a fresh commitment to seeking unity of the church and of all humanity. Paralimni, Cyprus. Photo: George Triaros/WCC 09 May 2025 Organized by the World Council of Churches Commission of the Churches on International Affairs, which will also hold its 60th meeting from 21-22 May, the conference will address a world of climate catastrophe, war, and economic and social injustice.  In seeking to renew the quest for unity of the churches, the World Council of Churches and the wider ecumenical fellowship find inspiration in two significant anniversaries in 2025: the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council at Nicaea in 325, and the 100th anniversary of the Universal Christian Conference on Life and Work in Stockholm in 1925.  The Life and Work conference in Stockholm 100 years ago brought together wide representation of Christian leaders from Anglican, Protestant, and Orthodox traditions. The conference spoke out for justice, peace, and reconciliation after the carnage of the First World War and gave birth to the Life and Work movement, which united with Faith and Order to form the World Council of Churches in 1948. Hosted by the Church of Greece, the conference will also be shared online.  H.E. Metropolitan Gabriel of Nea Ionia will offer an opening prayer, followed by greeting from H.B. Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece, as well as Greek ministers.  Topics will include building peace in a time of conflict, addressing accelerating economic inequality and social injustice, and the witness of the ecumenical movement to a fragmenting world, and others. Registration for the Life and Work Centenary conference online Learn more about the CCIA Life and Work Centenary Consultation in Athens 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