News
by Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia
High-resolution photo available - see below
"Generations of activists within church and society have benefited from Philip's advice and guidance," World Council of Churches' (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia said today about the Council's third general secretary, Rev. Dr Philip Potter.
In a moving tribute to Potter, who celebrates his 85th birthday tomorrow, Kobia highlights the "great strides" taken by the WCC under Potter's leadership, including a "courageous campaign against apartheid [ ] and other forms of racism", "a vigorous debate on the nature of post-colonial Christian mission", a "coordinated witness for peace amid east-West tensions and the threat of nuclear annihilation, as well as an exploration of new forms of spirituality, worship and music".
Citing a WCC central committee resolution taken at the time of Potter's retirement, Kobia gives thanks to God for "the underlying unity in all Dr Potter's efforts" as his commitment to "one ecumenical movement, one fellowship of churches moving together along one pilgrim way, the hope of the one humanity promised by God".
The full text of Kobia's tribute is available on the WCC website
A high-resolution photo of Rev. Dr Philip Potter is available free of charge
