WCC NEWS: World Communion of Reformed Churches prepares for 27th General Council

The World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) is preparing for its 27th General Council, to be held in 14-23 October in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The theme is “Persevere in Your Witness.” Photo: WCRC 13 October 2025 Hosted by the Church of Christ in Thailand with support from other Asian WCRC members, the 2025 General Council comes in a year of significance for the communion, the 150th anniversary of its founding.  The theme, inspired by Hebrews 12:1, will guide the gathering with a strong biblical call to remain true to their faith in Jesus Christ and continue to strive for the promise of an abundant life for all. Rev. Dr Setri Nyomi, WCRC general secretary, said: “As we prepare to gather in Chiang Mai, we are reminded that perseverance in witness is not a passive act—it is an active commitment to stand firm in faith, justice, and hope. The General Council will be a space to listen anew to God’s call, discerning how we, as a global Reformed family, can continue to shine light from the margins and serve a world in need of healing.” The WCRC’s history dates back to July 1875, when the Alliance of Reformed Churches Holding the Presbyterian Systems was formed. Today, the WCRC represents Reformed, Presbyterian, Congregational, Waldensian, and United and Uniting churches found in 109 countries, covering more than 100 million Christians. Rev. Najla Kassab, WCRC president, said: “This 27th General Council invites us to celebrate 150 years of Reformed witness and to renew our commitment to walk together as a communion of faith and action. ‘Persevere in Your Witness’ calls each of us to courage, to unity, and to a deeper trust in the power of Christ who leads us forward.” The General Council is the highest decision-making body of the WCRC. It ordinarily meets once every seven years. The programme will include times of prayer, Bible study, theme presentations, receiving reports and messages, wrestling with issues in discernment groups, and making decisions together aimed at helping WCRC member churches discern what God is calling the WCRC to in the next era.  The WCRC will gather in the company of its ecumenical partners—including the World Council of Churches (WCC) with the attendance and sermon by WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay—journeying together in God’s mission.   General Council- 2025 General Council - WCRC Livestreaming -World Communion of Reformed Churches - YouTube 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 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. 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