“Indeed the beginnings of today’s council go back to the first flush of ecumenical renewal in the years following the Edinburgh conference and the First World War,” Pillay wrote. “Those early pledges to dialogue, cooperate, and appreciate each other’s gifts still animate the council today, when you represent the full array of Protestant churches and partner with other religious traditions.”
Pillay reflected that the Centenary Gathering of the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone continues to witness to the treasured faith shared by its members.
“But further, as a council and as churches, and aligned with your many partners, you also marshal that faith to serve the larger causes of justice, peace, and reconciliation,” Pillay wrote. “Indeed, as your theme implies, celebrating your past and renewing your commitment to Christ will surely inspire a hopeful future for the churches and people of Sierra Leone.”