In a world fractured by war, displacement and despair, the church’s most defiant act may not be in words—but in song.

That powerful message resounded during the 150th anniversary service of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) on July 12 at the American International Church in London. The event was hosted by the United Reformed Church (URC)—one of the WCRC’s 232 member churches and a founding body of the organization. Rev. Kathy Smith and Maria Cornou, representing the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship (CICW), played a key role in planning the liturgy, demonstrating the Institute’s strong support for the celebration.

The Rev. Najla Kassab, president of the WCRC, delivered a sermon that offered a stirring vision of moral imagination. Rather than begin with theology, she shared the story of a lawyer burdened by ethical compromises who confessed it was not the sermon but the music that drew him to church.

“Sometimes,” he said, “it’s the difference between life and death.”

Drawing on global scenes of devastation—from the burning ruins of Notre Dame Cathedral to the blood-stained floors of a Syrian church—Kassab reflected on moments when words failed but singing endured. For her, singing is an act of resistance, remembrance and renewal.

Recalling her own childhood in war-torn Beirut, where she and her family sheltered underground amid bombs, she said: “When words do not help, you sing. Singing is not an escape. It’s where God meets us—and reminds us we’re not alone.”

Rooted in Psalm 96, Kassab’s sermon called the church to “sing a new song,” not only in melody but in mission—to center worship in justice, foster inclusive communities, and carry the gospel’s witness beyond sanctuary walls.

A Defiant Hope

“Hope,” a Painting by George Watts

Kassab closed her sermon with a powerful image inspired by George Watts’ painting Hope—a blindfolded woman sitting on the globe, holding a broken instrument with only one string intact.

“That one string can still play a tune,” she said. “It is not optimism—it is hope. Stubborn, dissonant, sung in a minor key perhaps—but still sung.”

Looking ahead to the WCRC’s General Council this October in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Kassab called the church to perseverance: “We may be the last string—but we will not be silent.”

One Communion, One Song

The Rev. Dr. Setri Nyomi, general secretary of the WCRC, traced the organization’s lineage from the 16th-century Reformation to its formal founding in London in 1875, when 21 Presbyterian churches gathered to form the Alliance of Reformed Churches.

He recounted its evolution: merging with Congregational and other Reformed bodies to create the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) in 1970, then uniting with the Reformed Ecumenical Council (REC) in 2010 to form today’s WCRC.

Nyomi also read from the Belhar Confession, emphasizing justice, unity and reconciliation as core theological commitments for the communion’s future.

Greetings Across the Globe

Leaders from across the Reformed tradition brought greetings.

Karen Campbell, on behalf of the United Reformed Church, reflected on the strength of belonging to a diverse but united global family:

“When we’re feeling lonely, we can see that we have siblings across continents and cultures… we belong to each other.”

The Rev. William McLaren, representing the Church of Scotland, called the WCRC “a family close to our hearts,” recalling his denomination’s foundational role in 1875 and celebrating the Reformed tradition’s worldwide reach.

The Rev. Dr. Jooseop Keum, of the Council for World Mission, noted a shared birthday between the WCRC and his organization—July 18—and praised their twin commitments to peace, justice and prophetic witness:

“This is not just a historical milestone,” Keum said. “It is the unfolding story of a communion born of conviction.”

Global Worship, Local Voices

The service showcased the rich diversity of the communion:

• The Upper Clapton URC Choir provided choral music.
• Karen Campbell read her poem, “A Table for All.”
• The Rev. Philip Vinod Peacock, WCRC executive secretary for justice and witness, led the call to worship.
• Muna Nassar, executive secretary for mission and advocacy, led the litany of thanksgiving.
• Bible readings were offered in Bengali and English by the Rev. Margaret Ninaljana Ali, a URC minister.
• Dr. Hefin Jones from the Union of Welsh Independents led intercessory prayers in Welsh.
• Music was provided by organist Ben Comeau.

In a world often marked by division and hardship, the 150th anniversary celebration of the World Communion of Reformed Churches served as a powerful reminder that hope endures through unity and faith expressed not only in words but in song. As voices from across the globe lifted in worship, testimony, and prayer, the event echoed a profound truth: even when circumstances threaten to silence us, the spirit of the church—the “last string” in George Watts’ painting of Hope—continues to play a resilient, defiant tune. This anniversary was not only a moment to honor a rich heritage but also a call to carry forward a legacy of justice, inclusivity, and steadfast witness as the WCRC looks toward its future with courage and conviction.

Watch the full service livestream from the American International Church in London below: