WCC news: WCC general secretary on International Youth Day: “you are already creating healing spaces”

In a message of greetings to the Ecumenical International Youth Day event on 13 August, World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay reflected on the day’s theme, “Creating Healing Spaces: R.E.S.T. – Restore, Empower, Strengthen, Thrive.” WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay interacts with participants of the Emerging Peacemakers Forum, July 2023. Photo: Gregoire de Fombelle/WCC 12 August 2026 “Our theme speaks deeply to the realities facing young people today,” he said. “Across the world, many experience the effects of conflict, violence, discrimination, economic hardship, mental health struggles, climate anxiety, and uncertainty about the future.” Yet young people also show remarkable courage, resilience, compassion, and hope, Pillay added.  “You are building communities of care, working for peace, protecting creation, advocating for justice, and standing alongside those who are vulnerable,” he said. “As the World Council of Churches and as churches around the world, we must ask: how can we become spaces for healing?” Pillay reflected that he believes it begins with listening—and listening must lead to action. “Our churches should be places where young people know they belong, where difficult conversations can happen without judgement, and where those who are hurting find accompaniment and hope,” he said. “To the young people gathered today: you are not only recipients of healing. You are also agents of healing. Through your commitment to justice, peace, creation, and community, you are already creating healing spaces.” The WCC is promoting an online commemoration of the Ecumenical International Youth Day on 13 August in two sessions, at 9:00 CEST and 15:00 CEST, enabling young people and faith communities from different regions and time zones to participate—combining prayer and creative presentations with reflection on the “breaches” affecting communities, examples of healing initiatives, resource persons, training, shared experiences, and opportunities for discussion in breakout groups. Read the full message of the WCC general secretary Learn more about the Ecumenical International Youth Day 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