WCC news: In Zimbabwe, “the church cannot retreat into private spirituality”

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, in an address to the 48th General Assembly of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, spoke on “The Church's Prophetic Responsibility in Promoting Peace, Social Cohesion, Justice, and Sustainable Development.” Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 22 July 2026 The assembly is convening from 21 to 24 July in Harare under the theme “Breaking Walls: Discerning the Signs of the Times.” In his speech, Pillay explained why he led an ecumenical delegation to not only attend the assembly but also to meet church and community leaders during a four-day stay in Harare.  “I am here because I know that the churches in Zimbabwe are carrying a heavy burden—not only for the life of the church, but for the life of the nation,” he said. “We have been following your public witness with a lot of admiration.” Pillay acknowledged the churches’ concerns about proposed constitutional amendments and about the protection of democratic principles and meaningful citizen participation. "Across the contemporary world, societies face unprecedented challenges characterized by violent conflict, wars, political instability, economic inequality, environmental degradation, forced migration, democratic decline, and increasing social polarization,” he said. “Africa continues to experience many of these challenges while simultaneously demonstrating remarkable resilience, community solidarity, and religious vitality.” Pillay further observed that Zimbabwe represents a compelling context within which to explore the church's public witness. “Since independence, the nation has experienced periods of political contestation, economic crises, migration, social inequality, and climate-induced vulnerabilities,” he said. “These realities have raised significant questions concerning the role of faith communities in promoting justice, reconciliation, peace, and sustainable development.” Accompanying Pillay, the delegation includes Rev. Dr Suzanne Matale from Zambia, representing the All Africa Conference of Churches general secretary; Rev. Dr. Hanns Lessing, acting general secretary of the World Communion of Reformed Churches; Rev. Mzwandile Molo, South African Council of Churches general secretary and current chair of the Fellowship of Church Councils in Southern Africa, and Dr Masiiwa Gunda, WCC programme executive and Ecumenical Institute at Bossey adjunct professor. Read the full text of the WCC general secretary's address Zimbabwe Council of Churches 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