World Council of Churches

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, in an address to the 48th General Assembly of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, spoke on “The Church's Prophetic Responsibility in Promoting Peace, Social Cohesion, Justice, and Sustainable Development.”

Rev. James Bhagwan, general secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches, released a pastoral letter, “Let Peace Govern Security,” that reflects on seeking peace through relationship, dialogue, dignity, and care for the whole community of creation.

A global 3-month online training programme of the World Council of Churches (WCC), the Eco-Diakonia Youth Hub, held a closing celebration on 17 July, during which young people received certificates of completion and reflected on the most meaningful aspects of the programme, which was designed to equip young leaders to advance climate justice and diakonia initiatives in their local contexts.

The 2nd International Congress on Human Mobility will take place in Panama from 22–24 July, bringing together academics, church leaders, faith-based organizations, and international partners to address the challenges of human mobility in Latin America and the Caribbean. The World Council of Churches (WCC), along with its member churches and partners, will contribute to the event.

Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach, general secretary of the Conference of European Churches (CEC), was part of a World Council of Churches (WCC)-led delegation that made a solidarity visit to Ukraine on 14-17 July. He took time to reflect on his impressions of the people he met, and on why a solidarity visit can ultimately be an expression of apostolic truth. 

Ecumenical International Youth Day 2026 will be commemorated on 13 August under the theme “Creating Healing Spaces: R.E.S.T. - Restore, Empower, Strengthen, Thrive,” inviting young people, churches, and faith communities around the world to become active agents of healing, restoration, reconciliation, and hope.

Rev. Karin van den Broeke, World Council of Churches (WCC) central and executive committee member, was part of a WCC-led delegation that made a solidarity visit to Ukraine on 14-17 July. She also serves as the moderator of the WCC central committee programme subcommittee and as cochair of the WCC Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity Reference Group. She took time to reflect on the people she met, how they inspired her, and what she believes churches can do.  

Each year students from the three Abrahamic religions take part in an interfaith summer course at the World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, just outside Geneva, this year during Europe’s sweltering heatwave.

H.E. Metropolitan Gabriel of Nea Ionias and Philadelphia, Church of Greece, World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee member and WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs commissioner, was part of a WCC-led delegation that made a solidarity visit to Ukraine on 14-17 July. He took time to reflect on the deep meaning of the time spent with Ukrainian churches, communities, and government officials.

An ecumenical delegation led by the World Council of Churches (WCC) met with representatives from the Ukrainian government, including deputy head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Olena Kovalska, and head of the State Religious Service Viktor Yelensky.

Hundreds of religious officials, diplomats, and representatives from Ukraine gathered in Kyiv for a ceremonial reception on 16 July commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations.

A delegation from the World Council of Churches (WCC) made a solidarity visit to Ukraine on 14-17 July, walking in hope and praying with churches and communities for an end to the war. 

On 16 July, Prof. Dr Seng Ja Layang, professor of New Testament at the Kachin Theological College and Seminary (Myitkyina, Kachin State, Myanmar), shared her perspective with a lecture on the political situation in Myanmar and the role of Christians in that context.

Fast-Track Health and the World Council of Churches (WCC) announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding establishing a strategic partnership to mobilize faith communities as key partners in advancing equitable, inclusive, and person-centered urban health across the global Fast-Track Cities network. 

A World Council of Churches (WCC) webinar, “Latin America: The relevance of international law in today's world: untangling the situation in Cuba and Venezuela,” held 16 July, explored what international law requires of the global community — and how churches should respond.

Rev. Dr Judy Chung, director of Mission at the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church, visited the World Council of Churches (WCC) on 30 June. 

As the 62nd Human Rights Council drew to a close on 8 July, the World Council of Churches (WCC) looked back on its involvement in advocating for climate justice, health equity, and other human rights across the globe.

The Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians condemned the violence perpetrated against foreign nationals in South Africa. The circle also expressed deep concern for the profound mental, psychological, and physical suffering endured by those affected.

Students from two academic courses of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Institute at Bossey visited the WCC headquarters in Geneva on 14 July.

Sara Speicher is the deputy general secretary of the World Association for Christian Communication and an advisor to the World Council of Churches (WCC) Faith and Science Working Group. She also works for the WCC with a focus on strategic advocacy communication in the field of digital justice and artificial intelligence. She reflects on the first Global Dialogue on AI Governance held in Geneva 6-7 July.