World Council of Churches

World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee moderator Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm will speak on “Ethical Values Behind Development and Global Health” during an event organized by the World Council of Churches (WCC), ONE, and Global Health Diplomacy on 14 October in Berlin. His remarks will reflect on what values shape governments’ national interests, and how responsible national interest and international solidarity can reinforce one another.

During the Fast-Track Cities Conference, the World Council of Churches (WCC) built action and engagement across the Fast-Track Cities network. 

Rev. Serge Fornerod brings forty years of international experience in development, public administration and ecumenical relations. Following the fall of the Berlin Wall, he managed aid and development programmes in Eastern Europe and later contributed to international relations within the umbrella organisation for Switzerland’s Protestant Churches. Since retiring in 2023, he has remained active in ecumenical networks, supporting the Foundation for Aid to Reformed Protestantism and the John Knox International Reformed Centre in Geneva. 

Films from France and The Netherlands were the prize winners at "Belief on Screen,” the SIGNIS/WACC Europe 21st European Television Festival of Religious Programmes held in Copenhagen from 23-25 September. The festival showcased 18 contributions from different European countries at the Danish Film Institute.

The World Council of Churches is commending the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Navanethem “Navi” Pillay for her efforts to promote peace and international law. 

World Council of Churches (WCC) commission leaders in Chiang Mai, where those gathered are exploring how are churches called to witness together today, took time to reflect on what it means to re-articulate ecumenical social ethics today, and their hopes for the impact of the conference. 

Listening before speaking and walking before leading set the tone for the Joint Conference of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Commissions and Reference Groups on Life, Justice, and Peace, taking place in Chiang Mai, Thailand this week.

A webinar on 16 October will commemorate World Food Day and say farewell to the UN special rapporteur for the Right to Water and Sanitation. 

A new publication from the World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission on Ecumenical Education and Formation (EEF) brings together the voices and theological reflections of young ecumenists from around the world who attended the 2025 edition of the WCC Global Ecumenical Theological Institute (GETI). It brings fresh inputs to the pressing question for the churches today: Where now for visible unity?

Dr Torsten Moritz, general secretary of the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME), reflects on a recent conference, “Protecting People More Than Borders,” and how churches can help make an alternative asylum system a reality.

The World Council of Churches will host a hybrid event entitled “Follow the Money: Multilateral Development Banks, Fossils Fuels and Climate Justice” on 14 October.

Audrey Jung is the news sales and marketing lead for Château de Bossey. She took time to share what drew her to her new role, her vision for the Bossey Hotel and Conference Centre, and even one of her own favorite spots. 

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay officially launched the Bossey Alumni Network on 7 October. The new digital platform will connect and enrich more than 3,000 former Bossey students across the world. 

Panel discussions combined with a dialogue of gratitude framed a celebration of 80 years of the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey. Faculty, current students, alumni, friends, and World Council of Churches (WCC) leaders gathered to appreciate the current milestone, reminisce about the past, and reflect on how Bossey can potentially approach its future.

Francis Fourie is a library assistant at the New York University Abu Dhabi. She shares what Thursdays in Black means to her, particularly after the passing of her sister, Rev. Prof. Dr Mary-Anne Plaatjies-van Huffel. 

During an address commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay reflected on “From Vision to Viability: Restating Bossey’s Mission for a Changing World.”

Global religious leaders shared greetings during the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey on 7 October. 

The Ecumenical Institute at Bossey will celebrate its 80th anniversary on 7 October, bringing together students, alumni, faculty, staff and partners from across the global ecumenical movement. The full-day programme will also be available to watch online via Zoom, allowing the wider Bossey community to join the celebration from around the world.

During the 63rd Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, presidential envoy for nuclear justice and human rights Senator David Anitok met with World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay.

As the official 80th anniversary celebration for the World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Institute at Bossey began on 7 October with an opening prayer, Rev. Prof. Dr Odair Pedroso Mateus, former deputy general secretary of WCC, offered a sermon from the perspective of one who served Bossey for 16 years, particularly in the chair of ecumenical theology.