WCC general secretary deepens collaboration with Archbishop of Canterbury

The WCC general secretary engaged in constructive discussions during his visit to the Archbishop of Canterbury’s residence on 8 April. The dialogue continued at the offices of the Anglican Communion on 9 April, focusing on pertinent global issues and avenues for enhanced collaboration between the WCC and the Anglican Communion. Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, moderator of the WCC central committee, attended part of the meeting with Archbishop Welby; and Prof. Dr Vasile-Octavian Mihoc, programme executive for Ecumenical Relations and Faith and Order accompanied the general secretary. 

The meeting with the Most Rev. Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, addressed various themes, including new developments within the Anglican Communion. Among the topics discussed were the upcoming Anglican Primates Meeting scheduled to be held in Rome in May, the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, as well as the ecumenical events surrounding the celebration of the Nicaea in 2025. The discussion also focused on intensifying the engagement of the Anglican Church with the WCC and identifying areas for deepened collaboration.

Following the insightful exchange with Archbishop Justin Welby, Pillay, along with key leaders of the Anglican Communion, convened at the Anglican Communion Office for a detailed agenda chaired by Maggie Swinson, chair of the Anglican Consultative Council; and Dr Christopher Wells, director for Unity, Faith, and Order.

The agenda encompassed a wide array of topics, beginning with welcome remarks and introductions, with the wider Anglican Communion Office staff team in attendance and a few participating online. Pillay provided an overview of the work of the WCC and its strategic priorities, setting the stage for focused discussions. Discussions centered on questions around the Anglican Communion, operational dynamics within the Anglican Communion Office, and the programmatic priorities of the Anglican Consultative Council and the Lambeth Conference.

A key highlight of the discussions was the exploration of avenues for strengthened collaboration between the WCC and the Anglican Communion. Participants engaged in a thoughtful exchange on how both entities can effectively work together to address pressing global challenges and further the cause of Christian unity.

Pillay expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with the leadership of the Anglican Communion. He reiterated the WCC’s commitment to fostering closer ties and collaboration with the Anglican Communion towards common goals of justice, reconciliation, and unity.