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John 17:3: And this is eternal life, that they may know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent
With a heart full of sadness but also of Christian hope, I write on behalf of the World Council of Churches to convey my condolences on the passing of Tony Waworuntu, and to celebrate his exemplary life and ministry. Tony has been a colleague, leader, companion and friend to many of us in the ecumenical movement globally as well as in his home country and region. The WCC has greatly valued and benefitted from Tony’s leadership and service in the various roles he has carried, especially as a member of the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs (1999-2006) and most recently as a member of the WCC Central Committee since the 10th Assembly held in Busan (2013).
Tony’s long and distinguished career encompassed leading roles in many other church and ecumenical contexts, including the Student Christian Movement in Indonesia, the Gereja Protestan di Indonesia Bagian Barat (GPIB), the Communion of Churches in Indonesia, and especially in the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) – notably as Executive Secretary for Justice, International Affairs and Development (2000-2008) – as well as serving the nation of Indonesia as a Member of Parliament.
Tony’s example to all who encountered him was one of passion for justice, peace and human rights, for freedom of religion and the rights of the poor and persecuted minorities. The time he took from his family and home country to offer that example globally was a precious gift to the wider ecumenical movement. Though he will no longer be seen among us, his spirit and witness continue to encourage us on our pilgrimage of justice and peace.
May you be comforted in your bereavement, and assured of the life and resurrection in Christ our Lord.
Yours in our Common Lord,
Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit
WCC general secretary
