WCC news: Joint Working Group deepens friendship, cooperation between WCC, Catholic Church

A communique issued at the close of the plenary meeting of the Joint Working Group between the World Council of Churches and the Roman Catholic Church explains the mandate of the working groups, marks the 80th anniversary of the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, and expresses gratitude.    Photo: Gregoire de Fombelle/WCC 4 September 2026 The third plenary of the 11th mandate of the Joint Working Group was convened at the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, from 1-3 September.  "The daily sessions were accompanied by morning and evening prayers, reflection, and moments of fellowship,” reads the communique. “Most of the programme was dedicated to advancing the work of the three working groups, with seven sessions devoted to this purpose.” The three working groups: explore different understandings of salvation and their possible relationship to religious indifference; examine reconciliation processes in different global contexts and develop practical tools for the parent bodies; and strengthen efforts to counter violence and discrimination based on religious affiliation, in view of the persecution of Christians and people of other faiths worldwide.  “The plenary also marked the 80th anniversary of the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey,” reads the communique. “The plenary concluded with gratitude for the WCC’s generous hospitality and for the opportunity to deepen relationships of friendship, trust, and cooperation.” Read the full communique Photo gallery Learn more about the work of the Joint Working Group Special WCC webpage: Bossey 80th anniversary 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