WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay noted that the conference is about finding our way together. “How do we have these discussions on doctrine and issues that may have divided Christians over the centuries? Pillay asked. “How do we find our way together?” “This moment we meet here in Egypt, we are hosted by Orthodox churches and other member churches in the area, and we are so grateful to receive such wonderful hospitality from the Coptic church which has blessed us in so many different ways already in this wonderful space and providing for us a good opportunity to meet.” Rev. Prof. Dr Stephanie Dietrich, moderator of the WCC Commission on Faith and Order, reflected that the WCC Faith and Order Commission is the broadest theological commission that exists on earth, with theologians from all traditions and all corners of the world. “We are doing theological dialogue with the goal to search for visible unity,” she said. “That is also, as you have seen, the main theme for for our gathering here the world conference.” Prof. Dr Michel Abs, secretary general of the Middle East Council of Churches, noted that Egypt is a very symbolic place because Egypt is the place where the holy family took refuge when they were persecuted. “Christianity is about togetherness—to stay together, to talk, to discuss and so on, whatever our theological orientation, whatever our denomination,” he said. “I’m thanking God for this event; let it be blessed.” H.E. Metropolitan Thomas of al-Qusiya, member of the WCC central committee, agreed that the conference takes place at a very significant location. “The significance of having this great conference here at this moment, at this very place, is going back linking the old time and the new time,” he said. “Here we link the the spirit, the spirituality of the Christian life. and the intellectuality of the theology that makes it much more important for the solution.” H.E. Archbishop Angaelos of London noted that it is always good for the church to come together. “It is also very important because our world today seems to want to focus on difference and conflict, and this is a time where we can come together,” he said. “We are different churches. We have different ecclesiology. We have slightly different theologies and we cannot undermine or underplay that. But we can all come together around the creed, the pivotal witness of faith that has withstood 1700 years.” The year 2025 is the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council, which over time led to the adoption of the Nicene Creed. H.G. Bishop Abraham, general bishop in the Diocese of Los Angeles, Southern California, and Hawaii, and a member of the WCC central committee, expressed gratitude for “the significant contribution of young people in the preparation, as well the important role of the government to facilitate everything from receiving at the airports to organizing visits to the historical sites.” Dr Andrej Jeftic, director of the WCC Commission on Faith and Order, said it was a pleasure to come and witness the fruits of preparing this gathering coming to life. “Gatherings have been always a vehicle to manifest the existence and the unity of the church to resolve conflicts, to build a community, and the fellowship, but also to cast and shape a vision for the future of our lives together,” he said. As World Conference on Faith and Order opens in Egypt, hearts and minds look to unity (WCC news release, 24 October 2025) Conference livestreams and recordings Photogallery: Sixth World Conference on Faith and Order, 2025 Learn more about the Sixth World Conference on Faith and Order | 
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