The third day of the 27th General Council of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) opened under the theme “Persevere in Fostering Just Communion,” setting the tone for a day of reflection, unity and challenge.

Leaders of the WCRC urged members to stand firm in faith and solidarity amid global uncertainty, calling the worldwide Reformed family to be a “communion of hope.”

WCRC President the Rev. Najla Kassab and General Secretary the Rev. Dr. Setri Nyomi addressed delegates on Thursday, drawing standing ovations as they reflected on 150 years of communion and the challenges that lie ahead.

A Historic Milestone

Kassab noted that 2025 marks the 150th anniversary of the organization, founded in 1875 as the Alliance of the Reformed Churches Throughout the World. The communion, which now represents more than 230 member churches in over 100 countries, continues to evolve amid major global changes.

“We are at a historic moment in time, as the world faces several critical challenges,” Kassab said. “These include the climate crisis and environmental stress, which have brought changes in rainfall patterns and water scarcity in many parts of the world; geopolitical realignment and multi-polarity, alongside strategic competition and political populism; and the rise of generative AI and other new technologies, which offer both opportunity and risk.”

Kassab lamented that “the simple and powerless pay the highest price” in the midst of these global challenges. Yet, she emphasized, the Church’s calling remains constant.

“During all this, we are called to be a communion of hope,” she said. “The Church is daily challenged to proclaim the Good News, to be the voice of all who struggle, and to move together toward living hope on earth while dreaming of a better tomorrow.”

Fostering a Just Communion

In his address, Nyomi reflected on the history of the WCRC and the enduring task of fostering a just and united communion.

“Today, we are faced with even greater challenges,” he said. “Some of our member churches are striving to be witnesses in contexts where churches face decline due to secularization and other forces. Others minister in settings where misleading theologies emerge from newer churches, threatening the identity of some of our congregations. Yet other churches confront major conflicts and divisions. How can we persevere in our witness at a time such as this?”

To strengthen ties and engagement among member churches, Nyomi proposed three key initiatives:

• Member Church Visits (2026): Members of the new Executive Committee would visit all WCRC member churches within the first six months of 2026, in collaboration with regional councils.
• 10-Euro Campaign: Each member church would encourage at least 1,000 members to contribute 10 euros or 10 U.S. dollars annually or monthly to support WCRC’s mission.
• Reformed Churches’ Partnership Fund: The WCRC would explore reestablishing a fund to support projects in the Global South and contribute to disaster relief and emergency response.

“These steps will help us live out our calling as a communion of justice, solidarity and shared mission,” Nyomi said.

Standing Against Violence

Delegates and visitors reaffirmed their support for Thursdays in Black, a global movement resisting rape, violence and gender-based discrimination.

Kassab underscored the importance of women’s leadership and decision-making in the life of the communion.
“Gender justice remains an inseparable part of our identity,” she said. “Women’s leadership is not optional; it is essential to our vitality and credibility.”

Women and Youth Voices

Women and youth delegates also addressed the General Council, offering reflections on perseverance, equality and well-being.

In a statement titled “Persevere in Your Witness: Her Voice, Our Witness,” the Women’s Caucus declared, “We, the women of this communion, will persevere not because we are allowed, but because we are called.”

A Youth Message raised concerns about burnout and mental health, calling on church leaders to create more opportunities for rest, reflection and community.

“Recognize the importance of good mental health by ensuring burnout, overwork, stress and lack of sleep are not glorified,” the youth message said. “Instead, create greater opportunities for reflection, rest and sabbath in our worshiping life.”

Youth delegates also encouraged more opportunities for fellowship and joy across regions, affirming that dancing, singing and laughter are central to faithful living.

Looking Ahead

As the Council concluded, Nyomi reflected on the WCRC’s enduring mission and faithfulness through the years.

“We will continue to heed God’s call to persevere in our witness,” he said. “The road ahead may be difficult, but we can do no other. The good news is that we look to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”

The 27th General Council closed with renewed commitment to the communion’s vision — to stand as a global witness of faith, justice and hope.

All reports can be found here.