WCC News: During visit to Nigeria, WCC general secretary expresses gratitude for churches’ powerful witness

During a visit to Nigeria from 20-27 August, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay participated with the Church of the Lord (Worldwide) in celebrating its 90th historic Tabieorar Anniversary, under the theme "Faithful & Glorious God.” WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay delivers message of greetings to the Church of the Lord (Worldwide) in celebrating its 90th Tabieorar Anniversary. Photo: Ibrahim Wushishi Yusuf/WCC 24 August 2026 In a special message to the church, Pillay extended heartfelt congratulations. “This important milestone provides an opportunity to give thanks to Almighty God for His abundant grace, faithfulness, and guidance throughout the remarkable journey of your church,” said Pillay. “The Church of the Lord has made a profound contribution to the spiritual life of Nigeria and to Christian communities around the world.” Pillay noted that the church has nurtured generations of believers and inspired many to live lives of faith, holiness, and service. “We express our gratitude for the vital role the Church of the Lord continues to play in Nigeria,” he said. “In a nation facing significant social, economic, and security challenges, your ministry has been a source of hope, moral guidance, reconciliation, and compassionate care.” He commended the church’s commitment to prayer, community development, peacebuilding, and the promotion of human dignity. “We are equally grateful for the global reach and influence of the Church of the Lord,” he said. “Through its presence in many countries and its engagement in the wider ecumenical movement, the church contributes significantly to the worldwide mission of God and enriches the fellowship of Christians across continents.” Pillay offered particular appreciation for the leadership of His Eminence Most Rev. Dr Rufus Okikiola Ositelu, primate of the Church of the Lord (Aladura). “Under his visionary and dedicated leadership, the church has continued to grow in its commitment to spiritual renewal, mission, education, and social engagement,” Pillay said. “His faithful service has strengthened the witness of the church both nationally and internationally.” Ositelu serves as the WCC president from Africa.  “In this important role, Most Rev. Dr Ositelu has faithfully represented the voices, concerns, and aspirations of African churches within the worldwide fellowship of churches,” said Pillay. “His commitment to justice, peace, reconciliation, intergenerational engagement, and Christian unity has enriched the work of the WCC and strengthened the bonds of fellowship among churches across the globe.” Pillay is visiting Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria from 20-27 August, to strengthen the bonds of fellowship and cooperation among the WCC member churches in Nigeria, and to deepen the relationship between the WCC and the churches in the country. Pillay and the church leaders are gathering in a spirit of prayer, mutual respect, listening, openness, and ecumenical fellowship. The gatherings will provide space for church leaders to share their experiences and concerns, while also exploring practical ways for churches and the WCC to continue to contribute together to peace, justice, reconciliation, human dignity, and the well-being of the people of Nigeria and Africa. WCC Message to the 90th Tabiẹorar Anniversary of the Church of the Lord (Aladura), Nigeria WCC general secretary: “Women have stood at the heart of God's mission” (WCC news release, 21 August 2026) WCC general secretary to visit Nigeria to strengthen bonds (WCC news release, 19 August 2026) Photos from the WCC visit to Nigeria 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: “Women have stood at the heart of God's mission”

In a message to the Mother's Union of the Church of the Lord (Aladura), Nigeria, World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed gratitude for the women’s faithful witness, steadfast commitment to prayer, and tireless service to the church, their families, and their communities. Photo: Aregbe Segun Abraham/WCC 21 August 2026 “Throughout the history of the Christian faith, women have stood at the heart of God's mission,” said Pillay. “From the women who faithfully followed Jesus to the first witnesses of the resurrection, Scripture reminds us that God calls and empowers women to be bearers of hope, agents of reconciliation, and faithful disciples.” Pillay noted that the world today faces many challenges. “Armed conflicts, violence, economic hardship, climate change, forced migration, and growing social divisions threaten the dignity and well-being of countless people,” he said. “Families are under immense pressure, and many young people struggle with uncertainty about the future.” In such a time, Pillay reflected, the ministry of Christian mothers and women is more vital than ever. “Through your prayers, compassionate service, and witness to the Gospel, you help build communities rooted in love, mutual respect, and peace,” he said. “As pilgrims together on the WCC's Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity, we are reminded that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of justice, human dignity, and right relationships.” Pillay further noted that Nigeria occupies a significant place in the ecumenical movement and in the witness of Christianity across Africa and the world. “I encourage you to continue being instruments of healing, dialogue, reconciliation, and hope wherever God has placed you,” he said. “May the Holy Spirit continue to strengthen and guide you in your ministry.” Pillay is visiting Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria from 20-27 August, to strengthen the bonds of fellowship and cooperation among the WCC member churches in Nigeria, and to deepen the relationship between the WCC and the churches in the country. On 20-24 August, the WCC general secretary is participating with the Church of the Lord (Worldwide) in the celebration of its 90th historic Tabieorar Anniversary, under the theme "Faithful & Glorious God.” 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

WCC NEWS: Nigerian Christians hail Muslim group's public call to government over Boko Haram

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation with an estimated 210 million people, has a distinctive mix of people with almost equal numbers of Christians and Muslims, most of whom get on, living their normal lives intertwined in peace, except when terror strikes.

Therefore when one of the country’s leading Muslim organizations spoke out against the terror unleashed by the Boko Haram extremist group in the name of Islam, Nigerian Christian leaders welcomed it. The statement followed frequent criticism from many in the country, including church leaders and ecumenical organizations associated with the World Council of Churches, that the government has not done enough to protect the people from this terror.

The militant Islamist group Boko Haram - which has caused havoc through its wave of bombings, assassinations and abductions - is fighting to overthrow the government and create an Islamic state. Boko Haram promotes a version of Islam which makes it “haram," or forbidden, for Muslims to take part in any political or social activity – including education – associated with Western society.

On 17 June, Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI) said in a widely reported press release that it is "in utter shockwave over the unfortunate repeated incidences of loss of precious lives and wanton destruction of property arising from well-coordinated attacks of armed bandits, Boko Haram terrorist groups and rapists."

Elder Uzoaku Williams, president of the Women's Wing of the Christian Council of Nigeria and publicity secretary of the Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace, said in reaction, "I deeply appreciate the timely and prophetic response of JNI."

JNI said, "These repeated calamitous scenarios would have been avoided had the government risen to the occasion. We nonetheless as always condemn the repeated brutal acts in their entirety; especially the lackadaisical attitude of relevant security agencies that seemed to be overwhelmed, despite repeated calls by concerned and well-meaning Nigerians for decisive action."

‘Building back the Nigerian nation’

"It is time that religious organizations collectively rescue the nation that is fast enveloping with silence in the face of gruesome destruction of lives and property. I totally align with JNI and together we can build back our nation Nigeria," said Elder Williams.

JNI said in its statement, "We implore the government to take all genuine calls, concerns so raised and recommendations proffered so far."

Archbishop Henry C. Ndukuba, primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) expressed appreciation of the deep concern and "pious response" of the leadership of JNI concerning the "degenerated state of insecurity in Nigeria and the West African region.”

JNI said that considering the religious beliefs of the perpetrators, "sincere religious scholars must be involved in arresting the menace.”

"Linked to the menace of gender violence is undoubtedly rape, whose devilish manifestation ought to be sternly addressed. Hence, the JNI strongly opines that the female's chastity, honour and integrity must be fully protected." JNI called for a collective approach between the Federal Ministries of Women’s Affairs, Justice, and Internal Affairs, as well "as sincere religious scholars in mapping out strategies of arresting raping and gender violence in Nigeria." The group implored all Muslims, particularly imams, to recommence Qunootun-Nawazil "or special prayers at calamitous periods in the last Raka'at of each obligatory prayer and non-obligatory prayers seeking Allah's intervention." "Likewise, fervent observance of Adhkar (remembrance of Allah) should also be ventured to by all Muslims, as it is a vital tool for easing fears, tension and uncertainties such as the myriad security challenges bedevilling Nigeria," said JNI.

Boko Haram was founded in 2002. Its official Arabic name, Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad, means "People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet's Teachings and Jihad.”  Boko Haram regards the Nigerian state as being run by non-believers, regardless of whether the president is Muslim or not - and has extended its military campaign by targeting neighbouring countries.

Special role of religious leaders

Archbishop Ndukuba said, "The religious, community and traditional leaders occupy a very strategic place in this fight and therefore must be sincere in their efforts; first intentionally support the government, and secondly eradicate religious and cultural factors that promote and enhance insecurity."

In August 2016 Nigerian Christians and Muslims opened the International Centre for Inter-Faith Peace and Harmony, located in Kaduna, where more than 20,000 people have died in various conflicts over the preceding three decades.

Among a growing number of interfaith initiatives in Nigeria, the centre’s goal is to promote interfaith relations and cooperation in Nigeria.

Key local Nigerian organizations, the Christian Council of Nigeria and JNI, led the effort to open the centre, which was preceded in 2014 by a consultative forum held in Abuja that drew about 40 Muslim and Christian leaders.

Boko Haram attacks have killed over 30,000 and displaced an estimated 3 million people since July 2009, when the violence started in the country's northeast states Borno, Adamawa and Yobe, across an area roughly the size of Belgium.

Nigerian Christians and Muslims open historic peace centre (WCC press release 20 August 2016)

WCC member churches in Nigeria

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 350 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania.

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