WCC news: WCC General Secretary, leadership of South African Council of Churches meet with South African H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa

World Council of Churches (WCC) General Secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay and the Presidium of the South African Council of Churches (SACC) met with H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of the Republic of South Africa on 30 July 2026.  H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of the Republic of South Africa, and World Council of Churches (WCC) General Secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay. Photo: Office of the President of South Africa 30 July 2026 Pillay was accompanied by Archbishop Sithembele Sipuka, President of the South African Council of Churches; Ms Lulama Ntuta, First Vice President of the South African Council of Churches; and Rev. Dr Nioma Venter, Second Vice President of the South African Council of Churches. The delegation was very cordially and warmly received by the President and his team, which included, in addition to the President, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi, Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Schreiber, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation for South Africa Ms Anna Thandi Moraka, and staff from the President’s Office.  The President expressed deep gratitude for the work of the WCC and the SACC, stating how proud they are to have a fellow South African serve as General Secretary of WCC, a very valued and trusted organisation worldwide and locally. The WCC General Secretary expressed gratitude to the President and government for their stand on the Palestine and Israel situation, adding that it was both “courageous and costly but an act of seeking justice and peace in that context.” The discussions then revolved around very pertinent, hard, and sensitive issues such as international peace initiatives amidst wars and conflicts, and the role of leaders in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in promoting peace and unity in the region. An in-depth discussion reflected on the recent xenophobic situation and returning foreigners to their respective countries. Discussions also included corruption with specific reference to the Phala Phala issue, the work of commissions, the upcoming elections, and the need for accountability and action to create a peaceful and safe society. Extensive discussions centered on the National Dialogue and its status in bringing social cohesion and unity in the country.  Photo: Office of the President of South Africa President Ramaphosa responded to all the issues put forth by Dr Pillay and the SACC leadership. Speaking to the Palestine situation, he recognised that their approach brought unexpected attacks on the South African government, but they chose to follow the legal and formal route of addressing the situation from a justice perspective. President Ramaphosa provided detailed information of how South Africa is making contributions to peacemaking initiatives across the globe and within the continent using their positions in the UN, SADC, BRICS, and other organs.  President Ramaphosa and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi presented detailed information on the migrant issue, stating clearly that the government is doing all it can to ensure the safe and dignified return of the migrants to their respective countries. They were clear that South Africa has always welcomed others to the country but the situation of people living within the country without the necessary documents is what is being addressed. On the issue of corruption, it was stated that the government is addressing this very seriously and the recommendations of previous and current commissions are being implemented, but much more must still be done. The Phala Phala matter is currently with the courts, and confidence was expressed in the work they do. The National Dialogue was constituted by President Ramaphosa at the request of many people and now it is expected to continue its work without government interference. Pillay said: “The meeting with the President of South Africa and his team was engaging, informative, instructive, and transparent. We heard the government and they heard us. We valued and appreciated the frank conversations and the responses we received to the issues we raised. We recognise that issues are complex and often have different understandings. We, thus, pray for wisdom and discernment for government, religious leaders, and the people of South Africa. The WCC will continue to work with the SACC and through them with the South African government and people as we continue the Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity in this context and globally.”  Photo: Office of the President of South Africa Archbishop Sithembele Sipuka, President of SACC, said that the President acknowledged the important roles of both WCC and SACC in helping people navigate today’s challenges.  Archbishop Sipuka expressed appreciation for being able to discuss major issues with the President and his team, mentioning that discussions touched on the importance of legal migration while also taking care of people at the borders. Sipuka said, “The President made the point that no country can just be open to everybody and spoke about the responsibility countries must have to reduce people leaving their countries for another. In this regard the President urged leaders of African countries, while respecting the autonomy of each nation, to be mutually accountable to each other in the ways in which they run their countries.” “The meeting with the President and the ministers was insightful, especially with the recent issues with illegal Immigration in South Africa,” said Ms Lulama Ntuta, First Vice President of SACC. “It has been reiterated that we are not a xenophobic nation and have always been loving and welcoming to people from other countries and this message was very strongly emphasized today again by the President. She added. “The human dignity and human rights are evidently being upheld as processes are implemented to try stabilizing the country and bring meaningful solutions and confidence to the African continent. We continue to pray for the leadership of South Africa and its people.” 'It was an encouraging and constructive engagement,” said Rev. Dr Nioma Venter, Second Vice President of SACC. “We came away with the clear impression that both the World Council of Churches and the South African Council of Churches are regarded as valued partners in ongoing dialogue. We also appreciated President Ramaphosa's affirmation that the values enshrined in South Africa's Constitution continue to guide the government's response to the situation of migrants, as well as its engagement with other pressing challenges across the African continent and further. Such dialogue between church and state remains important in pursuing justice, human dignity, and the common good.” Photo gallery The skyline of Johannesburg. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC 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

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

WCC NEWS: WCC general secretary meets with secretary general of the Muslim Council of Elders

The general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, met on 7 July in Geneva with the secretary general of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, to discuss strengthening collaboration between faith communities in addressing today's global challenges. WCC general secretary , Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay and secretary general of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam. Photo: WCC 08 July 2026 The meeting highlighted the essential role of faith-based cooperation in promoting peace, justice, reconciliation, and human dignity in contexts marked by conflict, polarization, and growing social divisions. The two leaders reaffirmed that religious communities have a unique responsibility to build trust, foster dialogue, and accompany societies in overcoming violence and injustice. They emphasized that authentic interreligious engagement extends beyond dialogue itself to include joint action in support of human dignity, peaceful coexistence, and the common good. Pillay underlined the importance of strengthening partnerships between faith actors, noting that our shared values call us to work together in addressing the root causes of conflict and in building a future based on justice, compassion, and hope. Abdelsalam reiterated the Muslim Council of Elders' commitment to advancing dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation among religious communities as essential contributions to sustainable peace. The conversation also explored opportunities for closer collaboration between the World Council of Churches and the Muslim Council of Elders in areas of common concern, including peacebuilding, social cohesion, support for vulnerable communities, and capacity building for young people as emerging peacemakers. 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

WCC news: WCC expresses heartfelt solidarity with Philippines in wake of earthquake

In the wake of a powerful earthquake that struck southern Mindanao in the Philippines on 8–9 June, World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, on behalf of the global fellowship, expressed heartfelt solidarity with all who are suffering.  Photo. Paul Jeffrey/Life on Earth 10 June 2026 "We are praying with you as you mourn beloved family members and friends, care for the injured, and face the difficult days ahead,” wrote Pillay in a pastoral letter. “We are united with the local churches and their pastors who, amidst their own losses, are turning their sanctuaries into shelters and places of refuge for the displaced.” Pillay assured the affected communities of prayers in these difficult times. “In situations such as these, as followers of Jesus, we are called to make visible God’s unconditional compassion and love for all through emergency response and pastoral accompaniment, strengthening resilience, supporting your struggle to overcome adversity, and helping to rebuild hope,” he wrote. “We know that God is not distant from human suffering.” Read the full letter 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

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