A global family shaped by Reformation faith—united for justice, renewal, and communion.
With roots in the 16th-century Reformation—and particularly in the theology of John Calvin—the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) traces its organizational history to 1875, uniting Reformed and Presbyterian churches across the globe for nearly a century and a half.
The journey began with the formation of “The Alliance of the Reformed Churches throughout the World holding the Presbyterian System” in London (1875), bringing together 21 Presbyterian churches from Europe and North America. Later, in 1891, also in London, the International Congregational Council was established.
In 1970, these two organizations came together in Nairobi, Kenya, to form the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC)—a communion representing 114 member churches in 70 countries on every continent.
Meanwhile, the Reformed Ecumenical Council (REC) was founded in 1946, gathering churches—particularly in Africa and Asia—that sought mutual support and unity grounded in the Reformed confession. By its later years, the REC included 41 churches with 12 million members in 26 countries.
Finally, in 2010, during a historic assembly in Grand Rapids, Michigan (USA), the WARC and REC united to form what is today known as the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC)—a global fellowship of Reformed believers committed to faith, justice, and communion in Christ.
