WCC News: World Communion of Reformed Churches installs new general secretary

The World Communion of Reformed Churches installed Rev. Philip Vinod Peacock as general secretary on 1 February, during a ceremony held at the the Reformed Church in Hannover, Germany. Rev. Philip Vinod Peacock, general secretary of the World Communion of Reformed Churches speaks during the installation ceremony at the the Reformed Church in Hannover, Germany on 1 February 2026. Photo: World Communion of Reformed Churches 02 February 2026 Peacock assumed office as general secretary on 1 January, becoming the first leader from Asia to serve in this role. An ordained minister of the Church of North India, Peacock previously served as the World Communion of Reformed Churches executive secretary for justice and witness, where he led global work on economic and ecological justice rooted in the Reformed tradition. He holds a master of theology degree from Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary and has taught Dalit and feminist theology at Bishop’s College in Kolkata. He was elected unanimously by the World Communion of Reformed Churches Executive Committee in September 2025. In an introductory speech read during the ceremony, World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay reflected on Peacock’s gifts and commitments as a pastor, theologian, and ecumenical leader.  “The World Communion of Reformed Churches is an organisation that holds immense significance for me,” noted Pillay, who is a former president of the World Communion of Reformed Churches.  “This moment is indeed historic, marking the first time the position will be held by a leader from Asia,” shared Pillay. “But it also offers clues to the foundational commitments Philip brings to his work.” Pillay reflected that Peacock represents a rare combination of scholarship, faith, and action. “The theological depth of Philip’s work on Dalit theology and gender studies also signals a strong conviction that our theology, rooted in the gospel and illuminated by the Reformed tradition, must affirm that divine sovereignty and beneficence find expression in human dignity and wholeness,” reflected Pillay. “As a noted Dalit theologian, he brings a unique perspective that elevates the voices of marginalised communities, allowing their stories to resonate within the broader church context.” Pillay also shared his belief that Peacock possesses the organisational acumen essential for leading the World Communion of Reformed Churches effectively. “His heart for the church and its mission is evident in every interaction he has,” shared Pillay. “His friendly and caring nature warms him to people almost immediately.” Introductory speech by the WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay at the installation of Rev. Philip Peacock as General Secretary of the World Communion of Reformed Churches Learn more about the World Communion of Reformed 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: Young theologians connect to carry the light of unity together

Young theologians from the World Council of Churches (WCC) Global Ecumenical Theological Institute (GETI) being held in Wadi El Natrun, Egypt, and the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) Global Institute of Theology (GIT) in Chiang Mai, Thailand, connected online on 20 October.  Participants from GETI and GIT connected online on 20 October.  Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC 20 October 2025 The inspiration for WCC’s GETI reaches back to the World Alliance of Reformed Churches—now WCRC—General Council in 2004 in Accra, Ghana, where a visionary gathering of young theologians planted the first seeds of what would later become GETI.  Prof. Dr Ani Ghazaryan Drissi, coordinator of GETI 2025, noted: “Together, we celebrate both institutes—GETI and GIT—as expressions of the same vision: to form, empower, and connect a new generation of ecumenical leaders who will carry the light of unity and hope into the future of the church. Prof. Henry S. Kuo, dean of the WCRC Global Institute of Theology, opened the programme by noting that “today is an extraordinary collaboration—and I really hope this is the first of many more collaborations in the future.” Keynote speaker Dr Allan Boesak, a South African theologian, spoke of the importance of theological institutes. “There is almost nothing more important for the church than how we can equip the next generation of theologians in the world,” he said.  In his presentation Boesak urged students, in their struggle for justice, not to disengage from the fact that Jesus is Lord.  GETI facilitator Suk-yi Pang, executive secretary for the Hong Kong Council of the Church of Christ in China, and a member of the WCC Commission on Education and Formation, responded to Boesak’s address, reflecting that today’s struggle for social justice is both spiritual and theological.  If we don’t insist on wrestling with these difficult questions, Pang, said, “we perpetuate a form of injustice as much as the empire does.” GETI 2025 photo gallery Learn more about GETI 2025 GETI opens with combination of knowledge, spiritual depth, and divine grace (WCC news release, 13 October 2025) As GETI opens, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II to young people: “you are the heartbeat of Christianity” (WCC news release, 13 October 2025) Churches called to remember, resist, and rebuild: GETI plenary reflects on faith amid persecution (WCC news release, 15 October 2025) Ecumenism as a lived experience: GETI study visits transform faith and understanding (WCC feature, 20 October 2025) 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 expresses thanks for strong collaboration with World Communion of Reformed Churches

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry PIllay, in a message to the opening of the 27th General Council of the World  Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC), expressed deep appreciation for the strong collaboration and shared journey between the two organizations.  Photo: WCRC 14 October 2025 “In fact, in the WCRC and the WCC, our priorities are so nearly aligned, our programmes intertwined, and our commitment to the whole oikoumene so firm that we often witness together to the most pressing of issues, from climate to gender to economic justice, peace-making and theological engagements,” he said. “We are ever grateful!” Pillay noted that, as Christians celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed, the imperative for Christian unity and ecumenical collaboration is needed more than ever.  “Yet it is the distinctive self-identity of the WCRC that shines so brightly here today, illuminating Christian faith through continuity with the formative insights of the Reformed tradition and its Reformation allies,” he said. “From the days of John Calvin and John Knox to the Barmen Declaration to the Belhar Confession to the Accra Confession, the bold affirmation by the Reformed churches of God’s sovereignty over all creation—and over lesser powers—has seeded deep trust in God and fidelity to Jesus, emboldened resistance to idols and false gods, inspired and fortified a worldwide communion of churches, and called all of us into loving labour for the sake of God’s reign.” Pillay also commended the WCRC’s explicitly transformative agenda. “Here in Chang Mai, you are gifted to meet and work and pray with fellow representatives from Africa and Asia, Europe and Latin America,” he said. “You are privileged to transcend parochial barriers and embrace God’s wonderful human diversity in Christian fellowship.”   Read the full message General Council- 2025 General Council - WCRC Livestreaming -World Communion of Reformed Churches - YouTube Photo: WCRC 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: World Communion of Reformed Churches prepares for 27th General Council

The World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) is preparing for its 27th General Council, to be held in 14-23 October in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The theme is “Persevere in Your Witness.” Photo: WCRC 13 October 2025 Hosted by the Church of Christ in Thailand with support from other Asian WCRC members, the 2025 General Council comes in a year of significance for the communion, the 150th anniversary of its founding.  The theme, inspired by Hebrews 12:1, will guide the gathering with a strong biblical call to remain true to their faith in Jesus Christ and continue to strive for the promise of an abundant life for all. Rev. Dr Setri Nyomi, WCRC general secretary, said: “As we prepare to gather in Chiang Mai, we are reminded that perseverance in witness is not a passive act—it is an active commitment to stand firm in faith, justice, and hope. The General Council will be a space to listen anew to God’s call, discerning how we, as a global Reformed family, can continue to shine light from the margins and serve a world in need of healing.” The WCRC’s history dates back to July 1875, when the Alliance of Reformed Churches Holding the Presbyterian Systems was formed. Today, the WCRC represents Reformed, Presbyterian, Congregational, Waldensian, and United and Uniting churches found in 109 countries, covering more than 100 million Christians. Rev. Najla Kassab, WCRC president, said: “This 27th General Council invites us to celebrate 150 years of Reformed witness and to renew our commitment to walk together as a communion of faith and action. ‘Persevere in Your Witness’ calls each of us to courage, to unity, and to a deeper trust in the power of Christ who leads us forward.” The General Council is the highest decision-making body of the WCRC. It ordinarily meets once every seven years. The programme will include times of prayer, Bible study, theme presentations, receiving reports and messages, wrestling with issues in discernment groups, and making decisions together aimed at helping WCRC member churches discern what God is calling the WCRC to in the next era.  The WCRC will gather in the company of its ecumenical partners—including the World Council of Churches (WCC) with the attendance and sermon by WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay—journeying together in God’s mission.   General Council- 2025 General Council - WCRC Livestreaming -World Communion of Reformed Churches - YouTube 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 congratulations to new World Communion of Reformed Churches general secretary

World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay extended congratulations to Rev. Philip Peacock, who was elected as the next general secretary of the World Communion of Reformed Churches.  Photo; Albin Hillert/WCC 10 September 2025 “This historic moment, marking the first time the position will be held by a leader from Asia, is a testament not only to your personal gifts and accomplishments but also to the vision and commitment you have consistently demonstrated in service to the global Reformed family,” said Pillay.  “Your journey, rooted in the Church of North India and enriched through your academic and pastoral work, reflects a rare combination of scholarship, faith, and action,” Pillay continued. “The theological depth of your work on Dalit theology and gender studies, along with your steadfast engagement in teaching and mentoring, has equipped you to serve the global church with wisdom and compassion.” Pillay added that he is confident that Peacock’s leadership will further strengthen the unity, witness, and mission of the World Communion of Reformed Churches. “May your vision, grounded in faith and justice, inspire new generations to walk courageously in hope,” concluded Pillay.  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