The European region of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC Europe) convened June 12–13 for a pivotal meeting marked by leadership elections and a call to persevere in faith and justice amid global challenges.
Delegates representing 37 churches across 27 European countries gathered under the theme “Voices in the Cloud of Witnesses,” drawn from Hebrews 12:1, which also connects to the theme of the upcoming 27th General Council in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
At the center of the gathering was the election of the Rev. Jenny Dobers, a leader in Sweden’s Uniting Church (Equmeniakyrkan), as president of WCRC Europe. She succeeds Martina Wasserloos-Strunk, whose tenure focused on empowering women in church leadership and elevating the church’s witness in conflict zones such as Ukraine.
Reflecting on her years of service, Martina Wasserloos-Strunk said, “It has been a time of learning and deepening our commitment to justice and peace, especially as the church stands amid the turmoil of war and displacement. We are called not only to witness but to act with courage and compassion.”
Dobers, a longtime advocate for human rights and church inclusivity, said the gathering deepened her sense of purpose in this new role. “The European Area Council 2025 took place in Budapest on June 12–13, hosted by the Reformed Church in Hungary,” Dobers said. “The theme of the meeting was ‘Voices in the Cloud of Witnesses,’ which connects to the theme of the upcoming General Council.”
Dobers said the European region is eager to build stronger ties across the global communion.
“The European area longs to deepen its relationships with sisters and brothers in other regions,” she said. “We were therefore delighted to listen to Gary Harriott, president of the WCRC Caribbean, USA and Canada Area (CANAAC), who was one of the ‘voices in the cloud of witnesses.’ He shared some of the challenges and blessings faced by churches in his region.”
Joining Dobers in leadership is the Rev. Dr. Martin Hirzel, head of external relations for the Evangelical Reformed Church of Switzerland, who was elected vice president. His appointment reflects the importance of fostering regional cooperation in shaping WCRC Europe’s witness.
Several European churches provided updates during the council, while Balázs Ódor of the Reformed Church in Hungary offered a theological reflection on “European Perseverance in Witness.”
Dobers also highlighted an emotional report from WCRC Europe’s recent “Unheard Voices” conference, held in April in Lebanon. “Women with experience of living in war met in Lebanon to share their stories,” she said. “Participants came from Ukraine, Syria, Lebanon, Ireland and Hungary. The reports from the conference moved us deeply, and the council decided to support a follow-up to this important gathering.”
Martina Wasserloos-Strunk emphasized the importance of this gathering, stating, “These women’s testimonies remind us that the church’s role in conflict zones is not only to provide aid but to amplify the voices often silenced by war. Their courage fuels our call to justice.”
A major portion of the council’s time was dedicated to preparations for the 2025 General Council. WCRC General Secretary the Rev. Dr. Setri Nyomi and President the Rev. Najla Kassab were present and engaged with delegates as they reviewed the Council Workbook and discussed key themes.
Thanking the preceding leadership for their commitment and service to the communion, Nyomi reminded participants that the 150th anniversary of the Reformed communion is not only a time for remembrance but also a call to action.
“This anniversary is not just about looking back,” Nyomi said. “It is about drawing strength from our shared history and persevering in witness today — amid new forms of colonialism, economic injustice and the resurgence of racism.”
Kassab described the Communion as “a communion under construction” and said its strength lies in unity through hardship. “Even in the most difficult days — from the absence of a general secretary to wars in Ukraine and Gaza — we did not give up,” she said. “We discerned the blessings of perseverance and grew stronger by facing the challenges together.”
She urged churches to reclaim their prophetic voice: “We are called to be a cloud of witness that does not simply mirror the slogans of the world, but speaks with clarity, compassion and conviction.”
As WCRC Europe moves forward, Dobers said she is both humbled and energized by the responsibility ahead. “I am often moved by how much the communion between churches across different countries and cultures means for our churches,” she said. “When hearing testimonies from different corners of Europe, it becomes clear that God is calling us to work together, listen to one another and support each other. I look forward to serving this communion in the years ahead.”
Wasserloos-Strunk concluded her address with a call to perseverance, affirming,
“Our faith compels us to continue, even when the path is steep and the clouds heavy. The ‘cloud of witnesses’ is not just a metaphor — it is the communion of saints past and present, urging us onward in hope and justice.”
With new leadership in place and the 27th General Council on the horizon, WCRC Europe has renewed its call to member churches to “Persevere in Your Witness” — to stand firm, speak boldly and serve faithfully in a world longing for hope and justice.
