World Communion of Reformed Churches
The World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) brings together 80 million Reformed Christians worldwide - united in a commitment to making a difference on the big issues of our day - climate change, human rights, economic justice and helping our neighbours of all faiths.
Its 230 member churches in 108 countries are Congregational, Presbyterian, Reformed and United churches with roots in the 16th-century Reformation led by John Calvin, John Knox and others. WCRC has its secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland.
WCRC was born through an historic merger of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) and the Reformed Ecumenical Council (REC) in June 2010. Delegates meeting 18-28 June in Grand Rapids, United States, launched a landmark effort to unite Christians for common witness and service to the world.
The World Alliance of Reformed Churches was the larger and older of the two. Its roots reached back to an 1875 alliance of Presbyterian and Reformed churches and the formation in 1891 of the International Congregational Council. These two bodies merged in 1970 to form WARC.
WARC's 75 million members in 107 countries and 214 denominations were committed to theological reflection, prophetic action and cooperative mission. From condemning apartheid to adopting the 2004 Accra Confession calling for global economic and climate justice, WARC sought justice in the unity of Christ.
The Reformed Ecumenical Council was formed in 1946. It gathered churches that had no other international ecumenical ties and were committed to mutual suppor in a Reformed confessional unity.
REC encompassed 41 member denominations with 12 million members in 26 countries, the majority in Africa and Asia. Determined to act with biblical and confessional integrity, REC brought church leaders together to address apartheid, social change, economic development and foundations for common mission. REC focused as well on a youth ministry programme.