The World Communion of Reformed Churches marked the beginning of 2026 with a transition in leadership and the release of New Year messages from its General Secretary Emeritus, the Rev. Dr. Setri Nyomi, and its newly appointed General Secretary, the Rev. Philip Vinod Peacock.

In separate official letters addressed to WCRC member churches, affiliate members and ecumenical partners, both leaders reflected on the life and mission of the communion and offered prayers and guidance for the year ahead. The full texts of both letters are attached to this release as PDF documents.

Nyomi, who concluded his service as interim general secretary at the end of 2025, formally welcomed Peacock into his new role effective Jan. 1. “As of today, the Rev. Peacock is the de facto General Secretary of the WCRC with all the responsibility vested in him as the legal and Chief Executive Officer of the WCRC,” Nyomi wrote. “It is a new era, and I am confident that Philip as the current General Secretary will lead the WCRC into a great future.”

Reflecting on his own service, Nyomi expressed gratitude to the global Reformed family. “I take this opportunity to give thanks to God, and to thank you in the WCRC family for the opportunity to serve the WCRC since January 2024 as your Interim General Secretary,” he wrote, noting the collective work of preparing for the 27th General Council and continuing to discern God’s will for the communion. He concluded with a blessing for the year ahead, praying that God would bless “the entire World Communion of Reformed Churches in the year 2026 and beyond.”

In his first New Year letter as general secretary, Peacock offered a pastoral reflection grounded in gratitude, wisdom and compassion. “As a communion, I invite us to step into the year ahead with hearts formed by gratitude, guided by wisdom, and opened in compassion,” he wrote.

Peacock gave thanks for the life and witness of the WCRC and for the leadership of Nyomi, now general secretary emeritus. “His years of devoted leadership, pastoral care, and prophetic courage have left a lasting imprint on this communion,” Peacock wrote. “His witness continues to accompany us, offering encouragement and guidance as we move forward together.”

Looking ahead, Peacock noted that the General Secretariat will develop a strategic plan to guide the WCRC’s common life and mission over the next seven years, until the next General Council. He called on member churches and partners to pray for wisdom as the communion responds to the complex crises facing the world. “May God grant us the wisdom to listen deeply—to the voices of our member churches, to those on the margins, and to the Spirit who continues to lead Christ’s church,” he wrote.

Both letters emphasize continuity, shared discernment and the call to faithful witness in a changing world. The WCRC invites its members and partners to read the full New Year messages, available as attached PDF documents, and to join in prayer for the communion and its leadership in the year ahead.

Read the full letters here:

New Year letter from the General Secretary Emeritus, the Rev. Dr. Setri Nyomi (PDF)

New Year letter from the General Secretary, the Rev. Philip Vinod Peacock (PDF)