The World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) is pleased to introduce a new worship resource for Reformation Sunday 2026, 25 October, developed to enrich the worship life of our global communion.
These materials, now available for member churches and worshipping communities worldwide, are inspired by the theological rationale for Reformation Sunday 2026 and shaped by the language of justice, pilgrimage, lament, and hope. They resonate deeply with the WCRC’s invitation to persevere in witness and honour the enduring witness of the Belhar Confession as it marks its 40th anniversary.
A Liturgical Journey Rooted in Global Realities
The worship resources follow the journey of faith from a call to persevere amid confusion to the closing commission to respond to God’s call. Rooted in scripture and the lived realities of the global communion, the services invite congregations into a shared experience of vulnerability, hope, and faithful witness.
Developed under the leadership of worship planner Gerardo Oberman, the liturgy echoes themes that have become touchstones for the communion: “perplexed, but not driven to despair,” calling worshippers to trust in the Spirit’s sustaining presence.
A Global and Contextual Voice
The worship resources reflect the diverse voices of the WCRC communion. Hymns and songs are drawn from various traditions, including the Namibian hymn “Oholeya Jesus ikumwifi,” and the Zulu song “Siyahamba.” The suggested music is offered in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and Zulu, embodying the rich tapestry of the Reformed family. The complete liturgy, translated into various languages, will be shared in the coming weeks.
The service includes prayers of confession, intercessions, and affirmations of faith that engage directly with the pressing realities of our time: war, conflict, climate crisis, injustice, and the misuse of power.
A Worship Experience for the Whole Communion
The liturgy includes:
- Gathering music from different regions of the global communion expressing movement, justice, hope, resistance, and the Spirit’s guidance
- A Poetic Opening Text that evokes the spirit of the Reformation while speaking to contemporary challenges
- A Communal Symbolic Action where congregations are invited to name what needs reform in their lives, churches, communities, and world
- An Affirmation of Faith that speaks to the church’s calling in times of war, hatred, hunger, forced migration, and ecological devastation
- Holy Communion that emphasises the shared table as a sign of God’s reconciling love
Using These Resources
Churches may use the liturgy in its entirety, adapt it, or select some of the resources included in the proposal. The materials have been designed to be flexible for different contexts and traditions, while maintaining the integrity of the liturgical journey.
For more details or music resources, reach out to Gerardo Oberman, gerkoberman@gmail.com
A live stream of the Reformation Sunday Worship in Pretoria, South Africa will be offered on 25 October—more information to come.
