Pasqua Together 2025” delegation visits WCC, focuses on sharing faith with the world

The WCC is joining people across the world in also commemorating the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea in 2025.

JC2033 is one of four movements participating in a Pasqua Together 2025 initiative.  

WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay has recently participated in planning meetings with the JC2033 leaders, including a Leadership Roundtable in New York in December 2024.

“Our task is to share our faith in Jesus Christ with the world,” said Pillay. “That's why 2033 is an important date for Christians, because it evokes the Resurrection of Christ. I believe that Christians should make it an important event to celebrate together. The 1700th anniversary celebrations this year are an opportunity to work for visible Christian unity as we move towards JC2033.”

Pillay added: “Whether we understand unity as spiritual, relational, organic, or common purpose or mission, what matters most is that we are called to pray, walk, and witness together so that the world may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God and in believing in Him they may have eternal life.”

Pillay concluded: “We have to unite and work together for visible unity. I commend your methodology. It’s the people’s movement.” 

Martin Hoegger, a Reformed pastor who led the Pasqua Together 2025 delegation, expressed deep appreciation for the visit. 

“I am very grateful for this meeting with Jerry Pillay and his engaging message,” said Hoegger. “It is heartening that the WCC is moving towards 2033 by inviting the churches to walk forward hand in hand to bear witness, starting now, to the risen Christ, who is the heart of our faith and who unites us.”

The Pasqua Together 2025 team has also held past meetings with Pope Francis, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and other church leaders. 

The Pasqua Together 2025 delegation included: 

Nikolaos Dimitriadis, Center of Ecumenical, Missiological, and Environmental Studies, Greece
Martin Hoegger. Reformed pastor, JC2033 International
Eric Lecomte Evangelical, president of JC2033 International
Christian Müggler, Focolare Movement, Geneva 
Elias Myrianthous, member of the Cypriot Parliament, Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy
Raphaël Rieger, Catholic priest, board member, Together for Europe
Martine Schneider, Focolare Movement, Geneva