WCC news: Global Christian Forum International Committee convening in Rome

The Global Christian Forum International Committee is convening in Rome from 21-23 April. Photo: WCC 22 April 2026 Rev. Prof. Dr Billy Gama, professor of Theology and Development at the University of Blantyre Synod, and a World Council of  Churches (WCC) central committee member, and Rev. Father Prof. Dr. Vasile-Octavian Mihoc, WCC programme executive for Ecumenical Relations and Faith and Order, shared a WCC report on activities which took place since April 2025 when the committee met in Taize, France.  The report, a comprehensive overview noted that, during 2025, the WCC’s ministry was marked by both commemoration and renewal. “Through the Ecumenical Year, the Nicaea anniversary, and the Faith and Order Conference, the fellowship celebrated its shared faith and deepened its theological and missional commitment,” read the report. “The Global Christian Forum International Committee Meeting in Rome brings together representatives of Christian world communions, the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, Focolare Movement, megachurches, Pentecostal World Fellowship, Taizé Community, World Evangelical Alliance, World Council of Churches, and other Christian leaders,” said Gama. “Together, they discern the mission and charism of the Global Christian Forum, while receiving reports from its four foundational pillars – the World Council of Churches, Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, World Evangelical Alliance, and Pentecostal World Fellowship – as well as updates from working groups on communication strategy, youth participation, and financial matters.” The Global Christian Forum offers a space for spiritual encounter rooted in the sharing of faith stories, highlighting what it means to be Christian today amid the many challenges facing the world.  “As an open platform for dialogue and encounter, it fosters growing trust and mutual respect among historic churches, newer ecclesial communities, megachurches, and migrant churches,” said Mihoc. “In this way, it embodies a distinctive and valuable ecumenical charism.”  The gathering will be a combination of business, faith sharing, building relationships, and learning.  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