News
The life and ministry of Tony Waworuntu, an ecumenical leader from the Protestant Church in Western Indonesia, was fondly remembered by the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary, Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit. Waworuntu passed away at the age 63 on 16 August in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Waworuntu served as a member of the WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs, from 1999 to 2006 and later as a member of the WCC Central Committee since 2013.
“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 his various roles,” said Tveit.
“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,” Tveit added.
Waworuntu’s distinguished career encompasses leading roles in church and ecumenical institutions, including the Student Christian Movement in Indonesia, the Gereja Protestan di Indonesia Bagian Barat (GPIB), the Communion of Churches in Indonesia, and in the Christian Conference of Asia as executive secretary for Justice, International Affairs and Development from 2000 to 2008. Waworuntu also served as an Indonesian Member of Parliament.
In his tribute to Waworuntu, the WCC general secretary said the time Tony Waworuntu contributed to the wider ecumenical movement was a “precious gift”.
“Though he will no longer be seen among us, his spirit and witness continue to encourage us on our pilgrimage of justice and peace,” added the WCC general secretary.
