WCC news: WCC central committee moderator: let us open our hearts to unity

In a short video message, World Council of Churches central committee moderator Rev. Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm reflects on Christian unity.  Photo: WCC 16 January 2026 Unity in the spirit may seem unrealistic these days, says Bedford-Strohm, “when some people—as is now the case in Greenland—have reason to feel threatened even by their friends.” While he acknowledges that it has become more difficult to find common ground, Bedford-Strohm asks a key question: “Can we as Christians perhaps live an alternative model, especially now? For me, the answer is a clear yes.” He urges people to follow the model of Jesus. “He lived love and mercy even toward his enemies,” notes Bedford-Strohm. “He preached forgiveness and repentance as a way to a fulfilled life. Let us pray for this, and and let us open our hearts so that the longing for unity may grow strong.” The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will take place from 18-25 January under a theme from Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” (Eph. 4:4). Watch the video in English Watch the video in German Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026 invites Christians to one hope, one calling (WCC news release, 15 January 2026) Learn more about the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026 Reading plan on the Youversion Bible app Social media cards and photos 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