WCC NEWS: WCC general secretary: “WCC is being looked at as a source of strength and support”

In a report to the World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee, WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay offered an overview of the many ecumenical commemorations and celebrations in 2025, which led to a fulfilling year of ecumenical visibility, vitality, unity, and strength.  World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay reporting to the WCC executive committee meeting in Hangzhou, China, 20 November 2025. Photo: Marianne Ejdersten/WCC 20 November 2025 The WCC executive committee is convening in Hangzhou, China from 20-25 November, at the invitation of the China Christian Council.  Pillay also acknowledged that the WCC continues its work in a very challenging time. “Globally, we see a troubling rise in authoritarianism, with shrinking civic space, disinformation, and threats to basic freedoms,” said Pillay. “Yet, in this regression, young people are standing up with courage and creativity, demanding truth and justice.” Pillay acknowledged that it is unfortunate that so many countries are facing conflicts, challenges, and crises at different levels. “While nations pursue political ambitions, the climate crisis deepens,” he said. “We continue to call for a transformation of hearts and systems.” He expressed gratitude to the WCC’s longstanding and new partners who have financially sustained the WCC in the past and recent years. “We understand their financial challenges and appreciate their unwavering commitment to the WCC despite the reduction on their own sources of income even leading to them downsizing in their operations,” he said. “It is heartening to know that in these difficult and challenging times, the WCC is being looked at as a source of strength and support.” This is clearly seen in the growing interest in the work of WCC, and the calls for solidarity and support, among other signs, Pillay said. "At all times we will continue to keep praying, walking and working with member churches, ecumenical partners, and others,” he said. The WCC executive committee is a pilgrimage encounter with the people and churches in China, exploring the theme “Christ, culture, and context.” The business agenda includes approval of 2026 plans and budgets, followup on central committee outcomes from June 2025, and monitoring implementation of WCC strategies.  Report of the WCC general secretary at the executive committee in Hangzhou, China WCC central committee moderator reflects on church unity, climate justice (WCC news release, 20 November 2025) WCC executive committee opens in Hangzhou, China (WCC news release, 20 November 2025) Vibrant church in China welcomes WCC leaders (WCC news release, 20 November 2025) WCC shares congratulations on Amity Foundation’s 40th anniversary (WCC news release, 18 November 2025) Photo gallery: WCC executive committee meeting in China 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