WCC NEWS: WCC extends greetings to Council of the Lutheran World Federation gathering in Switzerland

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay extended warm greetings to the Council of the Lutheran World Federation, gathering in Founex, Switzerland from 11 to 15 June under the theme: “Be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith” (Romans 1:12). Photo: LWF/S. Gallay 9 June 2026 “Your meeting takes place at a time when the world is marked by deep uncertainty, widening conflicts, economic injustice, ecological crisis, and growing polarization among peoples and nations,” said Pillay. “In such a context, the apostolic call to mutual encouragement in faith becomes not only a pastoral exhortation but also an ecumenical vocation.” Pillay described the longstanding relationship between the Lutheran World Federation and the World Council of Churches as one of mutual encouragement. “Together, we continue to accompany churches in their witness for justice, peace, reconciliation, and human dignity,” he wrote. “May your deliberations be marked by wisdom, courage, mutual encouragement, and trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit.” Pillay assured the Council of the Lutheran World Federation of the WCC’s prayers and encouragement. “May God bless your Council meeting abundantly and guide your work for the sake of the church and the world,” he concluded. Read the full message 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