WCC NEWS: Life and Work conference opens with call for “no discrimination in love among fellow human beings”

A “Life and Work” centenary conference opened on 18 May in Athens, with participants seeking a fresh commitment to unity of the church and of all humanity. Dome of the Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary, cathedral of the Archbishop of Athens and all of Greece. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC 19 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. Archbishop of Athens and all Greece Ieronymos II, in an opening message, reflected on the deep heart of such a gathering in a world with multiple crises. “Against this background, our care for the suffering and uprooted fellow human being is of particular importance,” he said. “For us Christians there is no stranger to the love of Christ. “ There should be no discrimination in love among fellow human beings, Ieronymos II urged. “Everyone has the right to a better future and to our protection in terms of major, fundamental human rights,” he said. “Let us open up our hearts and embrace each and every one of our brothers and sisters in need.” Makis Voridis, minister of Migration & Asylum, said he was honored to address the conference. “Already, you have raised an important issue that is of primary concern for the Greek government and I will say for most of the governments in the EU, which is of course migration,” he said. “Migration holds many different challenges.” Dome of the Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary, cathedral of the Archbishop of Athens and all of Greece. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC He spoke specifically of unaccompanied minors coming to Greece and coming to Europe—a relatively small part of the whole migrant population but very important group. He commended churches and nonprofits that work closely with the government to help young people thrive.  “I can say that we would like to deepen this cooperation even more working with youth because we believe it is a sensitive and delicate issue,” he said.  Nikos Papaioannou, deputy minister of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports, also expressed joy at addressing the conference. “This cooperation is not merely institutional,” he said. “We are at work together with all of you in this excellent way of thinking and practicing.” Papaioannou added: “We welcome in every way the universal character of the Christin message.” Maira Myrogianni, secretary general for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reflected on the importance of dialogue between churches from a geopolitical perspective. “This conference will recognize the constant presence of the fellowship which values the education of peoples, and existence with others,” she said. “This dialogue is not only offered in a practical way but as a legacy that inspires.” She commended the churches for their stance on human rights and for promoting a common understanding of cooperation. “We trust that the guests shall be able to examine common policies and cooperation regarding Christian unity and common understanding,” she said.  Gathering in spiritual unity as well, the conference also offered an opening prayer and music that drew voices from across the globe together as one.  Commission of the Churches on International Affairs (CCIA) of the World Council of Churches holds its 60th meeting and the Life and Work Centenary conference on 18-22 May 2025 in Athens, Greece. Greetings from the Archbishop of Athens and all Greece to the CCIA Life and Work Centenary consultation WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs begins deep discussions on emerging global trends (WCC news release, 19 May 2025) Learn more about the CCIA Life and Work Centenary Consultation, Athens Follow the livestream from the conference Photo gallery: CCIA Life and Work Centenary Consultation 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