The 35th General Council will explore the theme "Church on Mission, the Gospel Announced" and the biblical motto of John 20:21: "Peace be with you." The theme, Pillay reflected, “speaks deeply to the calling we share as the worldwide Christian family. The Gospel is proclaimed not only through our words, but also through lives and communities that bear witness to Christ through service, reconciliation, justice, compassion, and hope.” Pillay added that the biblical motto, “Peace be with you” (John 20:21), is especially meaningful in a world marked by conflict, fear, division, and uncertainty. “The risen Christ stands among his disciples and sends them forth in peace,” Pillay wrote. “May this peace of Christ be at the heart of your deliberations and decisions, strengthening your witness to a peace that reconciles, heals wounds, restores relationships, and opens paths towards abundant life.” Pillay further noted that Christian hope is not passive, but leads us to concrete acts of service, justice, peace, reconciliation, and care for creation. “The WCC gives thanks for the longstanding fellowship and witness of the IECLB within the ecumenical movement,” he said. “We value your solid contribution to the work of the WCC, to the visible unity of the church, to the search for peace and justice, and to the common mission of Christians in Brazil and throughout the world.” The General Council brings together representatives from different Brazilian states to deliberate on topics that will guide the institution's journey in the coming years and will elect a new presidency for a four-year term. The event takes place every two years. The IECLB General Council is responsible for deciding on any and all matters of interest to the church, by establishing guidelines that ensure the unity of the church and its confessional nature. The council also establishes an action plan and promotes debates on fundamental topics of interest to communities, parishes, and synods. Read the full message | 
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