Document
Introduction
1. Recently I was in a Sunday service and the hymn Two Oaks was sung. I was deeply struck by the words more this time even though we sang this hymn many times. The words that particularly stood out for me are: “Let us build a house where love can dwell and all can safely live … here the love of Christ shall end divisions.”
2. These words left an imprint on me because of the current global challenges and crises we face which divide peoples and nations. In such a climate, it is imperative to ask how the WCC can be a fellowship that embraces welcome, resilience and unity. How can we build a strong family that responds to the call of God to heal, restore and protect God’s world, creation, and witness?
3. We are currently facing wars, rumours of wars, violence, trade wars, climate catastrophes, retaliations, and the quest for self-protection and preservation of identity. What does it mean to be God’s family amid these? The hymn writer reminds us to “build a house where prophets speak, and words are strong and true, where all God`s children dare to dream God’s reign anew. Here the cross still stands as witness and as a symbol of God’s grace here as one we claim the faith of Jesus.”
4. The call for prophetic witness and speaking truth to power is needed but for that to be a sound and strong message from churches requires unity and strength. Unfortunately, churches are often influenced by political, economic, and nationalistic interests rather than the message of the cross. No wonder the hymn draws our attention to the cross again. This is where we stand, and this is what we proclaim as Christians to a broken and troubled world. At the cross we see the symbol of God’s grace, and claim the faith of Jesus. In the context of current challenges, we really need to dream God’s reign anew.
5. God’s reign and kingdom values must be sought at all costs as we proclaim God’s justice, righteousness, and peace to the world around us. We need to remain true, faithful and devoted to God’s calling rather than be overcome by the situations and influences around us. I know that this is easier said than done but we must learn the art of listening for and to the voice of God amidst the many voices that occupy our thoughts and lives.
WCC Strategic Objectives
6. This report to the executive committee is intended to cover the period between November 2024 to mid-May 2025. It reflects on the period concerned and indicates how the WCC has tried to remain faithful to our Christian witness together in a world in which so much has happened in the past five months. So much to cause upheaval, instability, and uncertainty impacting countries, continents and people in the world.
7. In such a context the WCC continues with the Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity. This report will focus on how we have strived to pursue the pilgrimage by referring to the four strategic objectives rooted in the vision and mission of the WCC: (1) strengthen the fellowship and deepen solidarity and community, (2) witness together as transforming disciples, (3) encourage spirituality, reflection, and formation and (4) foster innovative and inspiring communication.
- Strengthening the fellowship
8. Strengthening the fellowship and deepening solidarity and community remains a key objective of the WCC. Given the realities we face that challenge unity, perpetuate injustices, and deny life-affirming tendencies, it is imperative that the WCC continues to build and widen the Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity.
9. Between November 2024 and April 2025, I had the opportunity to visit and meet with many church leaders, churches, national councils of churches and others that enabled the strengthening of the fellowship and deepened expressions of solidarity. Here I mention just a few.
10. On 26 April 2025, the WCC moderator and general secretary represented the fellowship at the funeral service of the late Pope Francis. We give thanks to God for this wonderful servant of God who by his very words, deeds and lifestyle lived and exemplified the Gospel of Christ in such powerful ways. We have learnt so much from him over the years and greatly valued the opportunity to have met with him personally on many occasions. His commitment to ecumenism and Christian unity were incredibly outstanding. Our sincere hope is that the new pope will continue with these interests to ensure that we would keep “walking, praying, and working together” (in the words of Francis) as we continue to strengthen and deepen our relationship with the Roman Catholic Church.
11. In November 2024, I met with His Holiness Pope Tawadros II of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo, Egypt. During the meeting, I provided an overview of the WCC’s ongoing work, highlighting the Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity as a unifying framework for the WCC’s initiatives. I also outlined plans for the upcoming Sixth World Conference on Faith and Order and the Global Ecumenical Theological Institute, both scheduled to take place in October 2025 at the Papal Logos Center of St Bishoy Monastery, hosted under the auspices of the Coptic Orthodox Church. In that meeting we also addressed pressing global challenges and conflicts, underscoring the critical role churches must play in fostering peace and reconciliation in these turbulent times. It was good to make stronger ties with the Coptic Orthodox Church and with our other member churches in Egypt. I hope that with two major WCC conferences taking place in Egypt we will have the opportunity to deepen our journey with the member churches in this country and connect more intentionally with that context.
12. In December 2024, I visited churches and communities in Canada. It was wonderful to spend time with the Canadian Council of Churches as they celebrated their 80th anniversary, speak at numerous gatherings, and connect with our member churches. I was hugely impressed with the witness and ministries of our churches in Canada and the engaging work of the Canadian Council of Churches. We give thanks for their faithful witness over these decades and continue to stand and journey with them in their continued work and witness in that context.
13. While on the way to Canada, I was able to meet with Pentecostal and Evangelical global leaders in New York at a special roundtable planning the JC2033 Celebrations – the year when Christians will celebrate 2000 years since the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This was noted as a historic moment since it was the first time ever a meeting at such a level with the WCC and Pentecostal leadership took place. I am pleased that the WCC, recognizing the changing ecumenical landscape, is broadening conversations and collaborations with other churches that are not part of the WCC fellowship and finding unity in celebrating important Christian events together. These are wonderful signs of how the Holy Spirit is at work bringing unity and strength in visible Christian unity.
14. In a visit to India, I spoke before over 100,000 people during one of the largest Christian gatherings in Asia, at the Maramon Convention of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar. It was just so inspirational to see thousands of people gather to pray, worship, listen to Bible studies and sermons and fellowship despite the scorching heat.
15. I also heard stories from Christian organisations in India involved in education, agriculture, and community-based activities that generate hope and help to struggling people. It was an amazing encounter to spend time with the National Council of Churches in India and to hear their stories, strengths, and challenges in ministry. It is wonderful to see the passion and zeal of Christian witness even in places where Christians are not in the majority. The WCC fellowship is strengthened by the faithful witness and service of its members throughout the world.
16. Recently I visited Bangladesh on a solidarity visit and spent valuable time with WCC member churches, namely the Bangladesh Baptist Church Sangha and the Church of Bangladesh (United and Uniting). I am told that it was the first time they had a visit from a WCC general secretary in 20 years.
17. Hosted by the National Council of Churches in Bangladesh, this was a historic visit to this country which of late has been facing political instability and economic crisis. Christians in Bangladesh are a minuscule minority with only 0.3 percent of the total population in a Muslim majority country. There were reports of sporadic attacks on minorities, including on Christians. In that context my visit to the churches, including the Roman Catholic Church, in Bangladesh was received very well.
18. The visit included keynote addresses at different events, conversations with the minister (advisor) of Religious Affairs and other religious leaders and preaching on Palm Sunday. Besides these, I also had the opportunity to interact with the leadership and members of the National Council of Churches in Bangladesh, the Student Christian Movement of Bangladesh, and the Methodist Church in Bangladesh.
19. One of the highlights of this visit to Bangladesh was to meet the head of the interim government of Bangladesh, the chief adviser, Dr Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel laureate, in his office. I expressed solidarity with the peace and justice efforts from Bangladesh’s interim government. This visit was a symbolic gesture to assure the Christians of Bangladesh that the global fellowship of churches is standing with them in solidarity. The government of Bangladesh appreciated this visit and welcomed WCC’s support for peace building in Bangladesh.
20. I also visited the state-of-the-art Climate Park of the Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh (CCDB), about 40 kms away from Dhaka to inaugurate a WCC conference “Climate Justice and a Nexus Approach to Land, Water, and Food,” hosted by the CCDB. The CCDB is an ecumenical initiative of the WCC in Bangladesh, founded in 1970s. I was amazed at the innovative climate solutions demonstrated at the Climate Park. I planted a tree at the CCDB Climate Park, which models various climate zones of the nation, and demonstrates sustainable practices to combat climate change, water scarcity, and food insecurity. I also unveiled a plaque in the park which acknowledges the WCC for its contribution to founding CCDB.
21. At the end of April, I attended the 70th General Assembly and 160th Anniversary of the Presbyterian Church of Taiwan (PCT). I was privileged to present a keynote lecture on Transitional Justice from a South African experience and to preach at the anniversary service on the theme “Seeking God’s Abundant House”. I was greatly impressed by the PCT’s ministry and work in education and health. Through hospitals, schools, universities, and theological seminaries they provide an invaluable service and witness to the country.
22. I refer now below to some of the WCC programmatic work within the period under review that contributes immensely to strengthening the fellowship and building community in several different ways.
23. The Faith and Order Commission continues to strengthen theological views stimulating theological work on ecclesiology, supporting churches in deepening theological consensus and unity. In preparation for the Sixth World Conference on Faith and Order, the commission hosted thematic webinars on The Common Date of Easter and The Bishop of Rome.
24. Through webinars, dialogues, and events, we continued to bring together people from different traditions to reflect on how a shared celebration of Easter can unite Christians worldwide in their common faith in the resurrected Christ. Academic dialogue and the experience of churches both play a vital role in the search for Christian unity.
25. A very popular webinar, “The Bishop of Rome and Christian Unity,” the first of a series of webinars on Christian unity, was offered, drawing more than 200 people. An updated edition of The Common Date of Easter booklet was finalised, alongside the 2026 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity resources – grounding theological dialogue in prayer and reflection.
26. Preparations for the world conference in October are advancing very well. We are greatly encouraged by the number of member churches, communions and others who have shown deep interest in participating at the conference. Unfortunately, we can cater for only 450 participants but are considering possibilities of live streaming some sessions.
27. It is important to note the implementation process for participants at the world conference. The Faith and Order Commission invited member churches to send nominations. A committee has reviewed and selected a list of church delegates nominated by the member churches. The selection process was carried out by the steering group which sought to ensure a balanced representation among the 75 selected participants. While most nominations were received by the 15 February deadline, additional outreach was undertaken to address significant underrepresentation from regions such as the Middle East, Pacific, Caribbean, and Latin America, as well as among Orthodox churches, women, and youth.
28. The selection was guided by criteria emphasizing the inclusion of churches not represented on the commission and the theological expertise of participants, while also ensuring broad inclusivity across regions, church families, age, gender, ability, and the voices of people with disabilities and the indigenous peoples’ network (see also NOM 07). The names selected from the nominations received to date have been shared with the churches, while the steering group continues to refine the list to strengthen regional and confessional balance. This process of selection is important to ensure a broad scale of representation of our member churches. It is an opportunity to strengthen and deepen the fellowship.
29. The Faith and Order World Conference steering group is in the process of drafting the world conference message, which will serve as the main theological outcome of the gathering. Centred on the theme “Where Now for Visible Unity?”, the message aims to be both theologically substantive and broadly accessible, reflecting the conference’s key insights and spirit. The message will emerge from the conference.
30. It is my firm belief that this world conference would continue to strengthen the fellowship as it brings together people from various church traditions and theological views. It is hoped the focused theme and sub-themes at the conference would deepen our unity as Christians and give impetus to the call for visible Christian unity in a hurting and suffering world – even more reason for Christians to work and witness together to the Risen Lord, Jesus Christ.
31. The Commission on World Mission and Evangelism (CWME), Ecumenical Indigenous People’s Network and Ecumenical Disabilities Network continued to focus on transformative discipleship through the Arusha Call, fostering decolonial discourse, regional engagement, and intercultural mission networks. Highlights include a conference on Bible and Decoloniality hosted at the University of the Western Cape and the publication of contextual reflections by the Ecumenical Indigenous Peoples’ Network (EIPN) and Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network contributed to a shared witness shaped by voices of local and indigenous people and people living with disabilities. The proposal outline for the next CWME world conference in 2028 is presented at this executive committee meeting. The focus on mission from the margins enables WCC to deepen solidarity with the often-neglected groups within the fellowship and thereby also strengthen its unity.
32. Deepening the fellowship requires concerted effort in developing, forming and mentoring young leaders. In this regard the Commission on Ecumenical Education and Formation (EEF), Ecumenical Institute at Bossey and Ecumenical Theological Education (ETE) continue to expand programmes at Bossey and regionally. During this period, 29 students from over 20 countries graduated. Planning progressed for the Global Ecumenical Theological Institute (GETI 2025) to be held alongside the Sixth World Conference, as well as for Regional Ecumenical Theological Institutes (RETIs) in the Pacific and Europe. Programmes emphasized contextual theology and leadership development to equip a new generation of ecumenical leaders.
33. Giving time, energy, and resources to develop and mentor young people is another way to strengthen the fellowship both in the present and the future. Following the Young People in the Ecumenical Movement (YPEM) commission meeting in Manila (November 2024), YPEM established four working groups to strengthen youth networks and regional engagement. These groups are advancing youth-led advocacy and action in climate justice, peacebuilding, and ecumenical leadership. Youth voices continue to be amplified through digital storytelling and creative platforms, enhancing common witness and intergenerational dialogue.
34. The work on Interreligious Dialogue and Cooperation (IRDC) of the council is also expanded, deepened and strengthened when we work with others in the common mission to act in solidarity, compassion and justice. In this regard interreligious dialogue and cooperation is essential. This programme was relaunched with the activation of the reference group, which met five times over a six-month period, mostly online. The IRDC involved communication and strategic programmatic exchange with the Vatican and the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, as well as broader initiatives to strengthen inter-Christian and extra-Christian cooperation in the interreligious and interfaith engagement. The publication of a new issue of Current Dialogue was realised after four months of interruption, and the annual issue is also being prepared for 2025. In addition, communication with academic institutions and organisations in the field of interreligious dialogue has resumed
- Witnessing Together
35. The WCC Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity urges us to address and witness to our faith and hope in Jesus Christ in really challenging times in which we face increasing global challenges in migration, climate catastrophes, wars, trade, and economic wars creating huge upsets in world markets and impacting negatively on countries and communities. Christian witness in this context is critical and essential. We need to stand up, speak out, and act together in the context of injustice and global challenges.
36. Climate Justice and Sustainable Development. The 11th WCC Assembly in Karlsruhe in 2022 identified climate justice as a priority for the council’s work. I am pleased to report that the WCC was involved in many climate-related gatherings, prayers and dialogues. WCC moderator of the central committee Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm and staff attended a “Feast of Creation” programme with Catholic liturgists, where they introduced the ecumenical process enshrining “Creation Day” in Western calendars.
37. We also marked the very first time the WCC has participated in the “triple COPs,” or the alignment of the three United Nations (UN) conventions that emerged from the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, namely: the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and UN Convention to Combat Desertification. These UN conventions address the interconnected triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and land desertification which requires global coordination, cooperation, and governance.
38. From the WCC’s perspective equity is the thread that links climate, biodiversity, and combating desertification. To underscore the importance of equity and sustainability, WCC offered the inaugural edition of the Living Planet Monitor publication, marking a significant step in addressing the interconnection between land, water, food, and climate justice.
39. In January 2025, the WCC joined diplomats, faith-based organizations, and leading experts at a roundtable discussion celebrating Geneva’s legacy in global environmental governance. Organized as part of the Geneva Environment Network’s 25th anniversary series of events, the discussion focused on the vital role of faith-based organizations in tackling the triple planetary climate change crisis, biodiversity loss, and pollution. I was pleased to contribute to this august gathering of professionals from a faith perspective.
40. The WCC also participated in a high-level Vatican event calling for debt cancellation and tax justice, where we emphasized the link between tax justice, gender justice, and climate justice, how it reflects the biblical call for justice and stewardship. We continue to encourage engagement with the Zacchaeus Tax Campaign and broader advocacy efforts for tax justice.
41. In February 2025, we also rolled out a new practical way to keep the world from exceeding the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold set in the Paris Agreement. Members of the WCC Commission of the Churches on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development gathered in Panama City for a training on climate litigation for churches. The WCC is leading the training through a lens of child protection and our future generations.
42. The WCC and King’s College London, with Our Children’s Trust and Generations Together, released a new report, “Accelerating climate solutions through youth-focused litigation: Report and findings of roundtables held at King’s College London on 5 April 2024 and 6 December 2024.” This report has gained wide recognition including radio and television interviews with WCC staff.
43. All this work on climate justice and sustainable development indicates WCC’s reaching out in witnessing with others – including, member churches, nongovernmental organizations – on issues related to climate justice. The impact is great and the witnesses cross-sectionally engaging and transforming.
44. Gender justice. In December 2025, the Gender Justice Reference Group met in Harare, Zimbabwe, marking its first in-person gathering. Hosted by the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, the meeting brought together church leaders, theologians, and gender justice advocates to reflect on the critical importance of gender justice in the life and mission of the church. The WCC also debuted a new publication, “Love, Justice, and Reproductive Health: A Framework for Churches.”
45. In January 2025, a staff visit to Jamaica bore many fruits as it empowered churches to face head-on issues such as sexual and gender-based violence, climate injustice, racism, and other challenges.
46. The Gender Justice Reference Group, in a statement for International Women’s Day on 8 March, expressed solidarity with women and girls across the world. A delegation led by the WCC participated in the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations in New York City. The WCC witness in gender justice continues to grow in appreciation and impact.
47. Racial Justice, Equity, and Inclusion. The overcoming racism, xenophobia, casteism, and all other forms of discrimination reference group met in Accra, Ghana, in December. This was their first in person meeting. They were hosted by the Christian Council of Ghana. The group made a pilgrimage to Elmina and Cape Coast where members lived through the reminders of enslavement era. In Ghana, the Anti-Racist Churches Bible Studies and Anti-Bias Churches Toolkit booklets were launched. The WCC is gaining new strides in its witnessing together on racial justice, other forms of discrimination, and decolonisation.
Peace Initiatives
48. Ukraine and Russia. WCC continued its ongoing work in Ukraine and Russia, having conversations and dialogues with church leaders there to establish how we can be of assistance, and what we can do to help bring respective people and groups together to work for and witness to peace. We are currently in dialogues hoping to be more deeply involved in this context now that the US elections are over, we were told to wait until after this election to seek new and continued involvement in the Ukraine and Russia war. The continued loss of life and destruction must come to an end. As Christians we have an obligation to work for and witness to peace. Our prayer is that churches in these war-torn countries would serve as transforming disciples encouraging dialogues for peace among the churches concerned and in their respective countries.
49. In December 2024, during a European consultation on just peace, organized by the Conference of European Churches in cooperation with the Polish Ecumenical Council and the WCC Commission of Churches on International Affairs spoke about “A Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity” in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
50. Palestine and Israel. The situation in Gaza is beyond words. Despite the regular peace dialogues by governments nothing much has emerged. The incessant attack on Gaza continues and lives are lost daily. The WCC continues its solidarity and witness in this context amidst numerous challenges but the desire for just peace never tires even though many in that context have long become despondent and disillusioned.
51. At the November 2024 executive committee meeting, I reported on the work of the Working Group on Palestine and Israel. That executive meeting agreed that the general secretary should process the report of the working group to the central committee for discussion and decision. This report would thus be presented to the central committee in June 2025. A special session will be held to discuss this report, and it is my hope that the WCC will make decisions there to guide the WCC policy on Israel and Palestine matters.
52. The WCC continues to witness as transforming disciples in Israel and Palestine through its Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme (EAPPI). Ecumenical accompaniers are finding unprecedented numbers of human rights violations, and local people continue to express how much the accompaniers mean in their communities. This is a much-needed programme and we have conducted an evaluation to see how we can strengthen our work and witness in this deeply distressing context.
53. One of the greatest concerns we have is the declining presence of Christians in the Holy Land. The restrictions placed on Christians in celebrating this past Easter speaks for itself and does not encourage the continued presence of Christians in this land. As part of an initiative to stress this concern, a Palestinian delegation visited the WCC to participate in deep dialogues on justice, peace, and the dignity of all people. Together – both in-person and online – we were moved by the new documentary “Via Dolorosa” which told the story of Christians in Palestine.
54. Sudan. The situation in Sudan is currently most alarming. The WCC continues its peace-making efforts in that context, having established a working relationship with the national council of churches there. After our visit to Sudan in 2023, we have maintained a steady witness in this seriously deteriorating context. We continue to pray and work with others for stabilization, peace, and security in this situation.
55. Syria. I expressed deep sorrow and grave concern over the recent tragic developments in Syria, where, according to some sources, more than 1,000 civilians, primarily from the Alawite community, were massacred. WCC staff visited Syria and had conversations with member churches and other organisations to ascertain how WCC can journey in continued solidarity in this context. We will report on this more fully to the central committee in June.
56. Colombia. As part of its ongoing commitment to fostering peace in Colombia, the WCC announced a transition in its representation in that country’s peace process. The peace processes in Colombia are under strain and struggling. However, WCC is pleased that we have a strong contingent of representatives bearing witness and solidarity and assistance in this context. A more detailed report on this will be submitted to the central committee.
57. Sri Lanka. The reference group for the pilgrimage of justice, reconciliation, and unity held its first in person meeting in Sri Lanka in March. The meeting was a significant pilgrimage encounter with the people and churches of Sri Lanka, focussing on the churches’ work for interfaith peace-building, social cohesion and advocacy for justice.
58. The meeting included a joint consultation with the Christian Conference of Asia to analyse the geo-political reconfiguration of South Asia, that included central committee members from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The reference group experienced the National Council of Churches in Sri Lanka (NCCSL) ‘healing of memories’ programme with ex-military and ex-combatants in the civil war; met with key inter-faith leaders; met with refugees and NGOs supporting them; and learned how churches are supporting local fishing communities and migrant labour communities in their struggle for justice.
59. The NCCSL is further exploring broader community-based initiatives to strengthen social cohesion between the Sinhalese (Buddhist) and Tamil (Hindu) communities as a contribution to lasting justice, reconciliation, and unity for the people of Sri Lanka. The efforts of the churches in Sri Lanka affirm that a theology of companionship, rooted in the experience of walking together in the presence of the Risen Lord, helps inspire and sustain transformation for the fullness of life for all. The churches in Sri Lanka are a driving force in the post-civil war process of peace-building and social cohesion.
- Foster Spirituality
60. Spirituality is the foundational aspect of our work and witness as a fellowship. Therefore, it under-girds everything that we do from beginning to end. Thus, prayer remained central to the life of the fellowship. Daily prayers at the Ecumenical Centre – co-led with the Lutheran World Federation and other partners – offered spiritual grounding. Special liturgies were prepared for global observances including the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Season of Creation, International Women’s Day, Seven Weeks for Water, Ash Wednesday, and WCC governing body meetings. These prayers, rooted in diverse traditions, fostered spiritual reflection and unity in both digital and physical gatherings.
61. In March 2025, we held Staff Planning Days, a time during which the WCC focused on its Strategic Plan, and streamline activities, resourcing, and cooperation around priorities for the Ecumenical Year 2025. This was an opportunity to deepen spirituality, study the scriptures, and pray together as staff while planning our continued work.
62. In March 2025, the WCC also released a seminar report entitled Indigenous Spiritualities, Land Rights, and Climate Justice. The report serves as a platform for the clear, urgent, and much-needed voices of Indigenous peoples to expose the climate catastrophe through which we are living. I was personally blessed by the spiritual encounters I had with Indigenous Peoples in Australia and Canada in the past year. It is pleasing to see council of churches in these countries embracing and encouraging Indigenous spiritualities.
63. During a prayer held at the St Hippolyte Roman Catholic Church in Geneva, the WCC and its ecumenical partners focused on the beginning of Lent for many western Christian traditions, as well as the Lenten campaign Seven Weeks for Water, led by the WCC Ecumenical Water Network. All these profound spiritual encounters serve to strengthen the fellowship, deepen solidarity and community.
- Innovative and Inspiring Communication
64. Communication from the World Council of Churches in 2024-2025, through storytelling via many channels, fostered unity in unprecedented ways across the world. From the largest global prayer gathering, to 2.3 million engagements on social media, to large numbers of young visitors both in-person and online, WCC communications connected with more people, in more ways than ever.
65. By the end of 2024, the WCC website attracted the interest of 1.6 million visitors worldwide, an 8% increase compared to 2023. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in January was the week with highest number of visits (over 50,000) during the year. The WCC maintained a strong presence in global media throughout the year, and in the first part of 2025, with more than 5,000 mentions.
66. In 2024, the WCC continued to inspire, build digital bridges, and engage global audiences through social media channels, achieving over 3 million impressions and connecting with 2.3 million users. The shift toward short, dynamic audio-visual content was evident, with reels experiencing 87.6% growth. Key campaigns, including prayers for Armenia, Thursdays in Black, Tax the Super Rich, and coverage of the Triple COPs, were captured on social media.
67. At the beginning of 2025, Geneva Engage recognized WCC for 10 years of shaping, engaging, and connecting people. The WCC has been a “pillar of the Geneva Engage Awards, consistently standing out as top contributors to digital diplomacy and global collaboration,” according to Geneva Engage. The WCC joins prominent groups such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and World Health Organization in this top tier of groups who have spent a decade or more engaging and connecting people. The WCC was specifically recognized by Geneva Engage for “fostering global unity and interfaith dialogue with a strong digital presence.”
68. Journals reach 55,000+. In 2024, the WCC published three issues of its journal The Ecumenical Review on the themes “Christ’s Love (Re)moves Borders”, with contributions from participants at the 2022 Global Ecumenical Theological Institute (GETI); “Reflections on Visible Unity”, and “100 Years of Ecumenical Social Ethics and Action”, to prepare for the 100th anniversary in 2025 of the Universal Christian Council on Life and Work in Stockholm.
69. Two issues of International Review of Mission were published: “Decolonial Discipleship”, framing the ongoing struggle to redeem mission from its colonial possession and dismantle mission ideologies that justified this; and “Mission in the Context of Empire”, looking to two commemorations in 2025: the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, and the 140th anniversary of the Conference of Berlin in which European powers discussed between themselves how to partition and exploit Africa.
70. An issue of Current Dialogue, on reconfiguring interfaith work, was published in the beginning of 2025. The journals are published on behalf of the WCC by Wiley and also available in the Wiley Online Library. In 2024 there were more than 55,000 full text online views of articles from all these journals combined.
71. During 2024 and in the beginning of 2025, the WCC continued to publish reports, brochures, and books on various WCC programmatic areas of interest to the fellowship. WCC publications can be downloaded for free. WCC Publications coordinated 26-30 publications of different kinds, a number of which were translated. An international distribution agreement has been signed to ensure greater exposure and access to WCC publications.
72. In 2024, WCC welcomed over 700 visitors from different countries and regions – and visitors included an unprecedented number of young people. These groups visited both the Ecumenical Centre and the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, with visits varying from half-day, full-day, and multi-day engagements. In 2025 more than 25 visits were planned for the first six months.
Finance and Green Village
3. Finance Report. I am pleased to report that despite challenges WCC ended the financial year 2024 with an overall slight surplus. We reported CHF 23.4 million in revenue and CHF 22.8 million in expenditure, ending the year with a surplus of CHF 0.5 million. This surplus was gained from our Green Village real estate development project, specifically, behind the economies of construction from the Montreal building that were finalized and accounted back to WCC. However, programmes fell short by CHF 0.3 million but, at the end of the year, the general reserves remain strong at CHF 7.6 million.
74. Membership and programme contributions were CHF 13.5 million, a decrease of 4% (CHF 0.5 million) compared to the previous year. This drop was due to a combination of fewer contributions and currency exchange losses due to a stronger Swiss franc.
75. The 2024 was a good year in the financial markets and in our investment gains. Thanks to favourable conditions – like strong consumer spending and falling interest rates – our investments, currency gains, and asset revaluations resulted to CHF 1.5 million. These gains helped support our programmes and other activities.
76. Restricted funds added CHF 0.5 million to our overall surplus. Most of this came from CHF 0.8 million in investment returns from our endowment funds. However, as already indicated, programme activities showed a shortfall of CHF 0.3 million, partially offsetting these gains.
77. While we have successfully maintained a steady financial position in 2024, this would be more challenging in 2025 as we continue with the special ecumenical year events. The meeting of the central committee is expected to cost around CHF 600,000 and the Faith and Order Conference around CHF 800,000. Of course, these are huge costs, and it does not even include the other activities which, fortunately, are mostly funded.
78. Given the financial constraints, and with the request of the November 2024 executive committee, I had to exercise stringent measures to encourage members of the central committee to contribute financially to their travel and accommodation costs. I am very pleased to report that some of the participants responded positively to the request. It is becoming increasingly evident that the WCC will not be able to cover full subsidies to delegates. My appeal to member churches is that they budget money to cover costs for the participation of their members serving on the governing bodies of the WCC. Such financial contributions are also signs of commitment to the ongoing work of the WCC.
79-83. Internal information on the Green Village project.
Governance Matters
84. Mid-term Evaluation. The general secretary was requested “to prepare a draft mid-term evaluation working group slate for review by the executive committee in May 2025 in anticipation of their election by the central committee June 2025.” This slate is presented for consideration at this executive committee meeting.
85. Central Committee. I am pleased to report that the development of the agenda for the central committee is at an advanced stage. It is presented to this executive committee for consideration. Also, member churches have been requested to financially support their representatives’ participation, as reinforced by the 2024 November executive committee meeting.
86. Second Election of Executive Committee. One of the main matters for the central committee is the second election of the executive committee. In this respect, the general secretary was requested to “consult with members of the executive and central committees, regions and church families, on the formation of the second executive committee; and to prepare a first draft profile for discussion at the executive committee meeting in May 2025 in preparation for the election by the central committee in June.” As part of process, I wrote to all the members on the current executive to determine their readiness to continue on the executive committee. While some members responded indicating their willingness to step down, the majority expressed a desire to continue. This information is presented to this executive committee for further discussion and direction. A final draft will be presented to the executive committee in June just before the central committee.
87. Governance Review. The general secretary was requested to “further develop the terms of reference of the governance review working group and prepare a draft slate of nominees for review by the executive committee in May 2025.” This is presented to the WCC executive committee for consideration.
88. Distortions of theology. The general secretary was requested to “initiate a study and educational process on these distortions of theology (in coherence with already existing programmes and with member churches) towards dismantling the political ideological motivations”. I referred this task to the transversal (T6) addressing racism and other forms of discrimination. As a transversal working across and with the different programmes in the WCC, it is best placed to take this further. They are already working on this topic.
89. November Executive Committee. The November 2025 executive committee is set for China. I am pleased to report that the China Christian Council is doing their best to assist us with the financial aspects of this meeting. However, we would request member churches to financially support the travel costs of their members where possible.
Concluding Remarks
90. This report focuses on the WCC strategic objectives, with the intention of showing how we have been seeking to achieve these objectives. It is clear that we are gaining many strides but there is always more to do, and this we will all do together to glorify God, strengthen the fellowship and transform the world.
91. I express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the WCC leadership, staff, and my family for their continued support, work and encouragement.