Keum is former director of the WCC Commission on World Mission and Evangelism, and was instrumental in organizing the Conference on World Mission and Evangelism in Arusha, Tanzania in 2018.
“Rev. Dr Keum’s new role with the Council for World Mission is an encouragement for the ecumenical fellowship,” said WCC acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca. “His work championing justice and human rights is a source of inspiration, and we wish him God’s blessings as he takes up this new commitment.”
Moderator of the WCC Commission on World Mission and Evangelism, Metropolitan Dr Mor Geevarghese Coorilos, noted Keum's contributions in the global ecumenical movement.
“Amongst several contributions that Dr Keum has made in this capacity, the publication of WCC's new mission statement, ‘Together Towards Life,’ and the successful organization of the Arusha conference rank very high indeed,” said Coorilos.
Rev. Dr Janet Corlett, vice moderator for the WCC Commission on World Mission and Evangelism, offered her congratulations as well. “Dr Keum brings many gifts and huge experience,” she said. “He was an inspirational leader as a missiologist, an administrator and a pastor. Moreover, he lives an authentic and radical discipleship which attracts others to follow our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Rev. Dr Risto Jukko, director of the WCC Commission on World Mission and Evangelism, recalled the same significant milestones. “Dr Keum knows very well the situation of world mission and world Christianity, and the Council for World Mission will profit from his global ecumenical experience and theological insights,” said Jukko.