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When faith communities unite, hope is transformed into action. In line with the mission of the World Council of Churches—to speak and act together on matters of faith and social justice—we reaffirm our shared commitment to be agents of hope: to protect those forced to flee, particularly those rendered invisible by the crises of our time. What does it mean to bring hope to the most vulnerable: stateless persons, children, and women with disabilities caught in situations of conflict or disaster, stripped of identity, protection, and dignity?
Through our partnership with UNHCR and with the interfaith networks represented here today—itself a sign of hope—we commit to strengthening dialogue and coordinated action across religious traditions. This includes sustained support for the UNHCR Multi-Religious Council of Leaders, where the WCC holds equal representation through its constituency. The Council plays a critical role in addressing the root causes of displacement, promoting reconciliation, and advancing peacebuilding—aspirations we all seek.
Today, we also commit to leveraging the WCC’s global reach and convening power to advance collective priorities on statelessness and other invisible populations. Together, we will work to establish a financial consortium for philanthropic and in-kind contributions, appealing jointly in a spirit of solidarity and shared responsibility. In partnership with UNHCR, we will establish and launch a Multi-Religious Fund for Protection and Ending Statelessness, grounded in faith-based philanthropy and collective moral leadership.
We are not starting from zero. We already have a powerful example of what is possible. The United Methodist Committee on Relief, represented by Rev. Jack Amick, is leading by example with a contribution of USD 100,000 to support refugee participation in the 2027 Global Refugee Forum.
This demonstrates what faith communities can achieve when they act together. Today, we invite others to join us in this shared mission—so that faith may continue to be a force not only of hope, but of tangible protection, justice, and lasting change. We are stronger and better together. And together we can make a difference where it is needed to uphold the dignity, identity and protection of vulnerable people in the world.
Thank you.
Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay
General Secretary World Council of Churches
