Photo: Grégoire de Fombelle/WCC
In a significant move to reinforce global Christian unity, the Executive Team of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) embarked on a strategic visit to Geneva from 6 to 8 July. The purpose of the visit was to meet with key ecumenical partners, ACT Alliance, The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), and the World Council of Churches (WCC), to strengthen existing partnerships and explore new avenues for collaboration.
General Secretary Rev. Philip Vinod Peacock led the WCRC delegation. The WCRC team included key staff members: Rev. Dr Hanns Lessing, Executive Secretary for Theology, Communion and Ecumenical Relations, Muna Nassar, Executive Secretary for Mission and Advocacy, and Katie Henderson, Communications Coordinator.
A Spirit of Renewed Commitment and Deep Gratitude
The visit underscored the WCRC’s ongoing commitment to fostering ecumenical relationships in a rapidly changing world. Meetings were characterised by a spirit of openness and a shared vision for addressing contemporary challenges facing the global church. The WCRC delegation expressed profound gratitude for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended by all three organisations, noting that the gracious reception set a tone of mutual respect and fellowship, making the discussions particularly fruitful.
Meeting with ACT Alliance
Photo: WCRC
On 6 July, the WCRC delegation met with leadership from ACT Alliance, a global coalition of churches and humanitarian organisations. The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in humanitarian response, advocacy, and gender justice. The WCRC team was warmly received by Rudeknar Bueno de Faria, General Secretary, and other key members of the staff.
The conversations explored ways to deepen cooperation in responding to humanitarian crises and advocating for justice at the global level.
The Lutheran World Federation and WCRC: Building on a Shared Legacy
Photo: LWF
A focal point of the trip was the meeting on Tuesday, July 7, when the WCRC Executive Team visited the LWF Communion Office. The conversations aimed to deepen the long-standing collaboration between the two communions. The LWF General Secretary, Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt and members of the LWF Communion Office Leadership Team joined in the lively and informative sessions throughout the day.
The two communions compared notes on their respective strategic directions, highlighting significant overlap on several critical initiatives, including:
Theological Education: Sharing resources and methodologies to equip the next generation of church leaders.
Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification (JDDJ) Study Group: Continuing the vital theological work that brought the two traditions closer together.
Ecumenical Advocacy: Uniting voices to address social and political issues from a faith-based perspective.
Artificial Intelligence: Discussing the ethical implications of technology on faith and society.
Interfaith Engagement: Strengthening dialogues with other world religions to promote peace and understanding.
Meeting with the World Council of Churches
Photo: Grégoire de Fombelle/WCC
Further ecumenical engagement took place at the WCC office on 8 July, where the WCRC team met with leadership to discuss shared priorities in faith and order, climate justice, and peace-building. The WCRC delegation was welcomed by Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, General Secretary and other important staff members to engage in conversation with the communion.
The WCRC delegation expressed particular appreciation for the breadth of expertise represented in the discussions and the willingness of WCC leadership to engage deeply on issues of shared concern.
Gratitude and Looking Forward
At each stop, the WCRC leadership took time to acknowledge and thank their hosts for the thoughtful arrangements and the spirit of collegiality that permeated all the gatherings. The delegation noted that such hospitality is a powerful witness to the unity the churches seek to embody. Peacock said, “The WCRC is grateful to all the organisations for their openness, the richness of the conversations, and the generosity of time and resources offered during our visits. Our communion benefits from these strong partnerships, and we look forward to a long-standing future together.”
These meetings in Geneva represent more than just administrative coordination; they are a testament to the churches’ resolve to work together. In a world facing polarisation and conflict, the partnerships strengthened during this visit are vital for a unified Christian witness.
The visit concluded on July 8 with a renewed sense of purpose, with all parties committing to continued dialogue and joint action. The WCRC delegation departed with deep appreciation for the relationships nurtured during their time in Geneva and a shared hope for the future of ecumenical cooperation.
