WCC news: High-level consultation convenes global ecumenical organizations and partners around shared priorities

The leadership of ecumenical specialized ministries, the World Council of Churches, ACT Alliance, and the Lutheran World Federation will gather on 29–30 April at the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, in Switzerland, for a high-level strategic consultation on ecumenical cooperation. The two-day meeting aims to strengthen collaboration and define shared priorities in response to an increasingly complex global context. Participants of the Working Together meeting being held on 28-29 April at the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey. Photo: Gregoire de Fombelle/WCC 28 April 2026 The consultation will bring together general secretaries, chief executive officers, and representatives from a wide range of ecumenical agencies engaged in mission, diakonia, relief, development, and advocacy who will engage in forward-looking dialogue to assess current risks and opportunities, while reflecting on the evolving role of faith-based organizations.  The programme will provide space for honest exchange on how organizations are adapting to global challenges, including areas of success, innovation, and ongoing challenges. Through interactive sessions, participants will explore what meaningful, impact-oriented cooperation requires and how collective efforts can be strengthened.  Discussions will also focus on the distinctive value and transformative potential of ecumenical cooperation. Leaders will reflect on their shared responsibility and consider how faith-based organizations can best collaborate and contribute to addressing pressing global issues. The second day will emphasize practical pathways for enhanced collaboration, drawing on real examples and shared experiences. The meeting will conclude with reflections on future directions and concrete next steps for joint action. “Working Together” meeting will convene WCC’s specialized ministries partners (WCC news release, 27 April 2026) 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