WCC NEWS: WCC press conference will focus on bringing hope in a conflict-laden world

The World Council of Churches (WCC) is scheduling a press conference  Wednesday 18 June at 12:45-13:20 featuring the leadership of the central committee, including Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, moderator of the WCC central committee; Rev. Merlyn Hyde Riley, vice-moderator of the WCC central committee; H.E. Archbishop Dr Vicken Aykazian, vice-moderator of the WCC central committee; and Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC general secretary, in addition to local church leaders represented by Bishop Sithembele Anton Sipuka of Mthatha Diocese in the Roman Catholic Church, president of the Southern African Council of Churches  and the first Catholic to head the ecumenical body in Southern Africa. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 16 June 2025 The panel will speak about the central committee, meeting 18-24 June, in Johannesburg, South Africa. The gatherings of the governing bodies will focus on important encounters on the Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity, particularly with South African churches. An “Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action (2025-2035): Moving Together in Ecological Metanoia for Transformation,” will officially begin during the central committee meeting. Facets of the central committee meeting and the press conference will focus on: South African churches. The year 2025 marks the 140th anniversary of the Berlin Conference regulating the colonization of Africa as well as the 40th anniversary of the Kairos theological statement challenging the apartheid regime of South Africa.  Apostolic faith today. The year 2025 marks the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. The anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the affirmation of faith expressed in the Nicene Creed, the mission of God’s triune love, and the implications this has for the common witness and service of the churches. Climate justice. The year 2025 marks 100 years of the Life and Work movement, igniting a vision for diaconal ecumenism to unite the churches through service. The climate crisis is among the greatest challenges facing the world today and the churches are at the forefront of the movement for change.  Gender justice. The year 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the UN Fourth World Conference on Women and the Beijing Declaration. The WCC emphasis on the role of women in church and society and its work for a just community of women and men have shaped the ecumenical commitment to gender justice, including Thursdays in Black, which originated in South Africa. About the WCC central committee The WCC central committee comprises 150 members and eight presidents, and 100 advisors from the wider ecumenical movement. Its purpose is to implement the assembly mandate, make policy decisions, and address issues affecting the life and witness of the churches. The central committee serves as the chief governing body of the WCC until the next assembly, meeting every two years. It is responsible for carrying out the policies adopted by the assembly, as well as reviewing and supervising WCC programmes and the budget. Public and media invited The WCC central committee meeting will be live-streamed from 18-21 June, and then again on 23 June, from 8:30 am to 12:30 South Africa Standard Time.  Media accreditation is still open, and is mandatory for access to open sessions, press conferences, briefings, and seminars – onsite, as well as online. Apply for accreditation by filling out the online application form. A landing page provides a framework agenda, descriptions of the WCC constitution and rules, information and the consensus decision making process, and media accreditation information.  WCC governing bodies set to convene in Johannesburg as “a sign to the world” | World Council of Churches Live streaming 18-21 June and 23 June 8:30-12:30 on www.oikoumene.org/live Media accreditation still open for WCC central committee meeting, pilgrimage encounters | World Council of Churches The press conference will be held at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre, 18 June, 12:45-13:20 Online: www.oikoumene.org/live Venue: Building: Domestic, Room: Wonderboom 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