WCC news: WCC executive committee closes after time of drawing together in hope

The World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee closed its online meeting on 12 June after spending five days mapping the future, praying in unity, and drawing together in hope. From left: H.E. Archbishop Dr Vicken Aykazian, vice moderator of the WCC central committee; Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC general secretary; Rev. Merlyn Hyde Riley, vice moderator of the WCC central committee; and Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford Strohm, moderator of the WCC central committee. Photo: Gregoire de Fombelle/WCC 18 June 2026 Opportunities and challenges  During an address on 8 June, WCC central committee moderator Bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm reflected on the WCC’s solidarity with Palestine, the common ecumenical witness against the misuse of Christian religion, and the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence.  “This is a time in which the common ecumenical witness to the world for the God-given dignity of every human being and the duty of governments to respect this dignity in their own countries and between countries is more important than ever before,” he said. WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, in his report to the WCC executive committee, expressed gratitude to God for the faithful witness, resilience, and commitment of the WCC fellowship. “The past six months since we last met in China have once again demonstrated both the fragility of our world and the continuing relevance of the ecumenical movement,” he said.  Global Prayer for Peace in Ukraine A Global Prayer for Peace in Ukraine on 11 June drew together online local churches on the ground in Ukraine, WCC leadership, the WCC executive committee, and people of good will from across the world who united in spirit across great distances. In welcoming remarks, Bishop Sándor Zán Fábián, bishop of the Trans-Carpathian Reformed Church and chairman of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, expressed appreciation from a land where the pain of war has become a daily reality. "I hope this prayer strengthens each of us in our understanding that in Christ we are one, and that light always triumphs over darkness,” he said. “May God bless you and grant peace to Ukraine and the whole world!” Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC Deepening collaboration Gathered in prayer with the WCC leadership in the chapel on 8 June, the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey saw three new students graduate with a Master of Advanced Studies in Ecumenical Studies. The students, Rev. Ntobeko Dlamini, Methodist Church of Southern Africa; Nikola Filipovic, Serbian Orthodox Church; and Rev. Jabu Jay Singh Mani, Church of South India, have spent the past year exploring a range of topics in ecumenism.  In a special graduation response, the graduates expressed sincere gratitude. “Bossey means different things to different people – for us, it has been a place of encounter, awareness, confrontation, intercultural exchange, and overcoming resistance and boundaries,” they wrote. Bossey graduates, the leadership of the WCC central committee, Bossey teaching staff, and WCC staff members. Photo: Gregoire de Fombelle/WCC Part of the leadership of the WCC central committee, Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, moderator of the WCC central committee and Rev. Merlyn Hyde Riley, vice moderator of the WCC central committee, visited the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), receiving an update from Safak Pavey, senior adviser; and Nicolas Brass, head of the Global Compact on Refugees Section, on the current refugee situation.  In addition, Bedford-Strohm met with Peter Sands, executive director of the Global Fund; as well as part of the Global Fund leadership team including: Dianne Stewart, deputy director and head of the Donor Relations, External Relations, and Communications Department; and Francesca Davoli, associate specialist for the Donor Relations, External Relations, and Communications Division. From left: Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, WCC programme director;  Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, moderator of the WCC central committee; Safak Pavey, UNHCR Senior Adviser; Rev. Merlyn Hyde Riley, vice moderator of the WCC central committee; and Ms Carla Khijoyan, WCC programme executive. Photo: Marianne Ejdersten/WCC Statements express global concern The WCC executive committee released five statements and one minute. “From the Proliferation of War to the Way of Just Peace: A Renewed Ecumenical Appeal.” The governing body called churches to work for peace with every means at their disposal. “Christian Presence, Witness, and Freedom of Worship for all People in the Holy Land.” The statement affirms the steadfast witness of the Palestinian Christian community despite threats and challenges. “Peace for the People of the Korean Peninsula.” The WCC executive committee lamented the shift in geopolitics that represents a serious rupture for inter-Korean cooperation for peace and for the peaceful reunification of the divided Korean people. “Renewing Commitment to the Integrity of Creation in a Time of Accelerating Environmental Crisis.”The statement recognizes the continuing and accelerating ecological crisis and urges prophetic witness and concrete action by churches.  “Ebola Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.” The WCC executive committee acknowledged the role of churches and related health ministries amid the public health emergency in the Democratic Republic of the Congo following the recent outbreak of Ebola, in particular in conflict-affected areas. Minute: “Future of the Peace Process in Colombia.” The minute renews the WCC’s longstanding commitment for a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace for the people of Colombia. Reshaping the WCC office structure  The WCC executive committee reviewed a new WCC office structure that aims to align the organizational structure with the WCC strategic priorities and its pilgrimage model of engagement. The executive committee requested that the WCC general secretary report to the next executive committee with corresponding narrative plans and budget for 2027. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC WCC’s engagement in Palestine and Israel The WCC executive committee reviewed a framework, developed by the WCC general secretary, to guide the WCC’s engagement in Palestine and Israel. The strategic framework highlights the need for a coordinated, principled, and strategically aligned ecumenical approach capable of responding to the immediate humanitarian and political realities as well as the broader structural challenges facing the Palestinian people. The governing body requested the general secretary to give an update at the WCC executive committee meeting in November.  Updates on WCC programmes The WCC executive committee received updates on WCC programmes, which helps the governing body monitor and implement the WCC strategic plan. The executive committee offered strategic direction regarding themes, methods, outcomes, and impact—specifically how the activities affect WCC member churches, the broader ecumenical movement, and the world.  Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action The WCC executive committee received an update on work with member churches and ecumenical partners in implementing the decade. They appreciates the tremendous effort put to this new initiative worldwide.  Global Ecumenical Theological Institute  The WCC executive committee received the message from the 2025 Global Ecumenical Theological Institute presented at the World Conference on Faith and Order, articulates a vision of prophetic duty and dynamic unity expressed in acts of solidarity, shared lament, and collaborative service. Gender justice  The executive committee received the report and the declaration from “Witnessing and Anticipating Gender Justice in Unity and Diversity,” a consultation held in Jakarta in 2025 making 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.  WCC Communication Strategy 2023-2030  The executive committee received a report on the WCC Communications Strategy and noted that the inclusion of storytelling is an important part of the strategy and  the prophetic voice which needs to be protected and amplified to preserve the prophetic work of the WCC. The report marks the success of the communication strategy approved in 2018 and revised in 2023. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC Personnel, staffing and nominations The WCC governing body received a report on membership matters and nominations, as well as a report of the Permanent Committee on Consensus and Collaboration. Finance The WCC executive committee received a financial overview that includes an audit assessment and financial results for 2025 with CHF 20.6 million in revenue, CHF 22.8 million in expenses, and general reserves closing at CHF 7.2 million. The executive committee received the update on Green Village project.  WCC US Foundation  The executive committee decided to establish the World Council of Churches – US Foundation, a legal entity incorporated in the State of Delaware in the United States of America, to facilitate the work of the Ecumenical UN Office in New York. Bossey Hotel and Conference Centre At the last executive committee meeting, the general secretary was asked to reassess the strategic vision of Bossey. The WCC executive committee received an update on the hotel and conference centre operations.  12th WCC Assembly Planning Update  The WCC executive committee reviewed an update on assembly planning. Both the assembly planning and assembly worship planning committees are working online in 2026 and plan to meet in person in 2027. The committee expressed the strong hope to receive formal invitations to host the assembly in the coming months so that visits can be organized and a report prepared for action by the central committee in June 2027. The executive committee will meet next time in November in Philippines. WCC executive committee calls churches to work for peace (WCC news release, 12 June 2026) WCC renews commitment to creation in time of accelerating environmental crisis (WCC news release, 12 June 2026) WCC urges meaningful engagement in Colombia peace process (WCC news release, 12 June 2026) WCC maintains hope, vision for peace on the Korean Peninsula (WCC news release, 12 June 2026) WCC reaffirms role of churches amid Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo (WCC news release, 12 June 2026) WCC executive committee affirms steadfast witness of the Palestinian Christians (WCC news release, 12 June 2026) WCC leaders visit Global Fund, focus on shaping an enabling environment (WCC news release, 11 June 2026) Global Prayer for Peace in Ukraine: “Light always triumphs over darkness” (WCC news release, 11 June 2026) WCC leaders visit UN Refugee Agency (WCC news release, 9 June 2026) WCC central committee moderator addresses human dignity and artificial intelligence (WCC news release, 8 June 2026) WCC general secretary: “churches continue to bear witness to God’s justice, reconciliation, peace, and hope” (WCC news release, 8 June 2026) Bossey master students graduate with vision for overcoming boundaries (WCC news release, 8 June 2026) WCC executive committee to convene for mutual exchange in time of transformation (WCC news release, 28 may 2026) 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 executive committee to convene for mutual exchange in time of transformation

The World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee will convene online from 8-12 June to conduct the regular business of the first half of the year, review programme reports and audited financial results for 2025, and review proposals for a new structure for delivering work. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC 29 May 2026 The governing body will also review progress with the Green Village property development project, as well as membership matters. The WCC executive committee is expected to Issue statements on public issues affecting the life and witness of churches. On 11 June, the WCC, together with the Ukrainian Council for Churches and Religious Organizations, will host a global online prayer for peace in Ukraine. The members of the executive committee will join. "The executive committee is meeting in a time of global tension and uncertainty,” said WCC central committee moderator Bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm. “The change from the planned meeting in Bethlehem to an online meeting is only one expression of this situation.” In this time of transformation, the WCC is challenged to make its structures fit for the future, added Bedford-Strohm. “As leadership of the WCC, we therefore take the opportunity of the executive committee meeting to come together in Geneva for mutual exchange, for communication with Geneva staff, and for participation in the online meeting from there." WCC invites global fellowship to pray for peace in Ukraine (WCC news release, 20 May 2026) Register and join the prayer 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 executive committee opens in Hangzhou, China

The World Council of Churches (WCC) opened its executive committee meeting in Hangzhou, China on 20 November, embarking on both a business agenda and a pilgrimage encounter with the people and churches in China, exploring the theme of “Christ, culture, and context.”  Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC general secretary speaks at the opening ceremony on the WCC executive committee meeting in Hangzhou, China on 20 November. Photo: Marianne Ejdersten/WCC 20 November 2025 The opening ceremony was moderated by Rev. Dr Lin Manhong, residential vice president and general secretary of the China Christian Council; and Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC general secretary. Wang Wenxu, director of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee offered a welcoming address, followed by an address from Rev. Xu Xiaohong, chairperson of the National Committee of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Church in China.  Imam Yang Faming, president of the China Islamic Association, also offered remarks. Rev. Wu Wei, president of the China Christian Council, presented a special Nicaea 1700th anniversary Bible to the WCC. Duan Yijun, vice minister of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, and director general of the National Religious Affairs Administration, welcomed the WCC to China as a sign of strong, healthy and steadfast relations. ln his address, Bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, moderator of the WCC central committee, expressed admiration for the sense of church unity he has witnessed in China.  “The churches in China understand themselves primarily as Christian, not only in their wording but also in their action,” he said. “We have come to China to listen and to learn and to discern.” Vibrant church in China welcomes WCC leaders (WCC news release, 20 November 2025) WCC shares congratulations on Amity Foundation’s 40th anniversary (WCC news release, 18 November 2025) WCC executive committee to convene in China with “Christ, culture, and context” (WCC news release, 14 November 2025) Photo gallery: WCC executive committee meeting in China 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 executive committee to convene in China with “Christ, culture, and context”

The World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee will convene in Hangzhou, China from 20-25 November, at the invitation of the China Christian Council.  World Council of Churches (WCC) delegation visited China on 23-28 May 2024 to engage with church and religious leaders at national and regional levels in Shanghai, Nanjing, and Beijing. Photo: China Christian Council 12 November 2025 The meeting will be a pilgrimage encounter with the people and churches in China exploring the theme of “Christ, culture, and context.”  The business agenda will include approval of 2026 plans and budgets, follow up on central committee outcomes from June 2025, and monitoring implementation of WCC strategies.  Each day, the executive committee will be hosted by a different parish for morning prayer and encounters with the church in China on different topics, including women in ministry, the further contextualization of Christianity, interfaith relations, parish ministry, and theological education. The governing body will delve into the history of Christianity in China. In 1950, Chinese Protestant Christians initiated the Three-Self Movement, and through the principles of self-governance, self-support, and self-propagation, Chinese Christians set out on an independent road to building the church. During the cultural revolution, from 1966 to 1976, churches were closed. Churches began to reopen in 1979, and in 1980 the China Christian Council was established as a post-denominational church. During the opening session, the Amity Foundation will launch a special Nicaea 1700th anniversary edition of the Bible. The meeting will take place at the West Lake State Guesthouse.  The WCC executive committee will also issue statements on public issues affecting the life and witness of the churches. “I am looking forward to learning more about the situation of the churches in China. Considering the decisive role China plays in moving towards an ecological transformation of the global economy, I expect important insights for the Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action we launched at our central committee meeting in Johannesburg,” said Bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, moderator of the WCC central committee.  WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay noted that China as a country has emerged as a great contributor to global economies, technology, politics, religion, and culture. “The idea and reality of a post- denominational church is a significant consideration for Christian unity,” he said. “We are looking forward to our executive committee meeting in Hangzhou to listen, learn, and journey together as pilgrims and co-pilgrims in justice, reconciliation, and unity with our fellow members and the people we encounter in China.” Many people on the WCC executive committee will be visiting China for the first time. “They are looking forward to a new and engaging encounter,” said Pillay. WCC Executive Committee meeting in Hangzhou, China 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