WCC communicators, past and present, reflect on what a “prophetic voice” means

Sharing memories and a spirit of teamwork, they also inspired each other to continue on the path of prophetic communication in their many and varied contexts. 

Chady Chata, who produces video narratives for WCC Communications, reflected that it is no longer possible to remain Christian without being ecumenical. “After becoming a Christian, working for reconciliation becomes crucial,” he said. “Within WCC Communications, a special type of ecumenist strives to advocate Christ’s will in our world today.”

As the communicators gathered, Chata reflected that they, like the first Christians, exchanged ideas, learned, prayed, and preached virtually, so that they all may become one. 

J. Michael West, former WCC publisher and now WCC consulting editor, expressed joy at seeing people from many eras, past and present, joining to greet each other. 

“It was especially gratifying to realize the WCC's ever-increasing reach and credibility,” he said. “Through its news and publications, people everywhere have come to rely on the WCC's deep, locally-based knowledge, global reach, and rock-solid commitment to human rights and dignity. This is so important now!" 

Maria Vila, who began her relationship with the WCC in 1995 at the Africa Desk, recalled communicating with WCC member churches via fax. “The WCC was striving to make its unique voice heard beyond its constituency,” she said. “Thirty years later, working as a translator for the Spanish team in this new ‘hard-tech era’ that is challenging our profession, I think the WCC has indeed become a prominent and visible actor in the international scene.”

Vila added: “Our highly complex and uncertain world seems to need more than ever the prophetic word of this global family which, despite the enormous difficulties, keeps going back to the roots in search of light and unity for the whole oikoumene.”

Krystyna Konovalova, WCC Language Service coordinator, expressed that being part of the ecumenical movement means for her to see the bigger picture and to connect to people from all over the world. 

“It is about learning new perspectives and listening to opinions that might be different from yours,” she said. “Serving for the Language Service means to be prepared for the unexpected and to help build bridges between communities.”

Ivars Kupcis has been a WCC communications officer for nearly a decade—but he feels like it’s been just a couple of years, given the intensity and pace of working at the very heart of the ecumenical movement. 

“At the same time, serving the WCC in communications means building on the work of those who came long before us, and knowing that others will carry it forward - contributing to the unity among churches and their common witness to the world,” he said. 

Peter Kenny recalled his first formal engagement with communications in the ecumenical movement started just over 20 years ago, when he began working at Ecumenical News International, based at the Ecumenical Centre. 

“I realised that ecumenical news, which reaches the secular media, is vital for getting the message to the world at large and that it should always be a priority of churches,” he said. 

Lurdes Teixeira, who worked with WCC Communications for nearly five years, recalled her enriching and unforgettable experience. 

“The ecumenical movement that aims for full and visible communion among the churches, and being a member of the Focolare Movement focused on unity and universal brotherhood, filled me with hope that together we can contribute to the fulfillment of Jesus' prayer: ‘May they all be one!’ ” said Teixeira.

She added that she experienced “a daily possibility to practice this unity not only by loving one another but also by loving the other church as my own."