On Monday, 4 May 2026, in a meeting room in the centre of Hannover, Germany, the executive committee of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) gathered together.
Those who attended the WCRC General Council in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2025, were greeted by familiar faces and worship led by Gerardo Oberman, Glenda Martinez, and Jooeun Kim, who helped create an inviting space. The worship began with a Talanoa moment in grateful memory of the inspiring ministry of Rev. Jione Havea.
Rev. Dr Karen Georgia Thompson, president of WCRC, offered an opening meditation inspired by John 14:1-8, titled “Knowing the Way,” which reminded the room of the theme. “Persevere in your Witness: Perplexed but not in Despair.” Her message aimed to inspire resilience and hope as the committee began their multiday meeting.
After a quorum was established, gratitude and greetings were shared throughout the room, and the executive committee welcomed German church partners to the floor. The conversation was moderated by Martina Wasserloos, one of WCRC’S vice presidents. The executive committee heard from the Evangelical Church of Germany (EKD), the Evangelisch-Reformierte Kirche, the Lippische Landeskirche, the Reformierter Bund, the Evangelical Church of Westphalia, and the Evangelische Mission Weltweit (EMW). The German church partners and organisations helped provide context for the history and location of the WCRC’s office and host for the coming week.
Worship and meetings continued on Tuesday, 5 May. Rev. Dane Dae offered the morning meditation on John 4:13-15, entitled “Encounter at the Well,” in which her humour and experience as an Indonesian pastor brought together voices from every corner of the world.
The day continued with practical support for the executive committee, the WCRC Presidential address by Thompson, and the WCRC General Secretary’s report by Rev. Philip Vinod Peacock. Both the address and the report offered the committee a reminder of how much WCRC has participated in, witnessed, prayed, and prepared for over the past seven months.
The meeting continued with a presentation and conversation around the strategic plan. The committee was divided into discernment groups to analyse further and offer feedback around the language and practical steps of the strategic plan. Later this week, the executive committee will discuss adopting and implementing the strategic plan as they look towards the next seven years.
As the executive committee continues their week of worship, discernment, and leadership, we invite you to join us in prayer for these faithful leaders and their work, and to look forward with hope to the upcoming steps in their journey.
