Thursday, September 11, 2025

WCC news: WCC honors Bishop Petra Bosse-Huber, welcomes Bishop Frank Kopania

The World Council of Churches (WCC) expressed gratitude for the ministry of Bishop Petra Bosse-Huber, who is retiring after more than a decade as bishop for foreign affairs of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), while warmly welcoming her successor, Bishop Frank Kopania.

Bishop Petra Bosse-Huber of the Evangelical Church in Germany speaks on the opening day of the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, held in Karlsruhe, Germany from 31 August to 8 September 2022. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC

10 September 2025

In a letter addressed to the EKD leadership, WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay praised Bosse-Huber’s “legacy of leadership and presence,” highlighting her work as a member of the WCC central and executive committees. “Your voice, clear and compassionate, has echoed in global forums and quiet consultations alike – advocating for peace, justice, human dignity, and unity in Christ,” wrote Pillay.

Throughout her tenure, Bosse-Huber played a central role in strengthening ecumenical relationships worldwide. She was also instrumental in hosting the WCC 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany, in 2022, overcoming disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“You have been a bridge-builder, a listener, and a witness to the reconciling love of God in Christ,” Pillay affirmed, adding that her ministry embodied humility, humour, and calmness even in challenging circumstances.

The WCC general secretary also welcomed Bishop Frank Kopania as the new EKD bishop for foreign affairs. Pillay described him as a leader bringing “theological depth, political insight, pastoral wisdom, and a faithful heart” to the role. 

The letter concludes with a call to continued prayer and commitment to justice, reconciliation, and unity across the global church.

Read the full letter

 “Especially in times of global crisis, we need international and ecumenical organisations” (WCC news release, 7 August 2025)

WCC extends congratulations to Bishop Frank Kopania (WCC news release, 24 April 2025)

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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 356 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.

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