Document
Geneva, August 4, 2020
Dear sisters and brothers of the Presbyterian Church of Colombia,
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
On behalf of our fellowship of 350 churches, let me express great joy and best wishes on the occasion of the commemoration of the 164 years of preaching and service of the Presbyterian Church of Colombia.
Over the last years, the WCC has walked together with your church and many other local and international partners in the work of paving the path for peace in your country.
We have been following the sometimes difficult developments related to the implementation of the peace agreement. Not rarely, your faithful ministry and tireless prophetic voice have been a constant reminder and encouragement to the ecumenical movement to continue to pray and support all gesture that might help Colombia to reach a lasting and just peace.
The COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected almost everyone around the world, also has its impacts in the life of the Colombian people and the ministry of your church. Though initially manifested as a health crisis, the pandemic has surfaced other societal ills: increase in domestic violence and aggressions against women, racial injustice and discrimination, food insecurity, deep economic inequities and recession.
Following the example of Jesus, and responding in solidarity to this pandemic, we will be able to affirm confidently, not just for ourselves but for all, the eventual triumph of love over tribulation. “The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Pet. 5:10).
May your church find new sources of inspiration in these challenging times and let the celebrations of your 164th anniversary renew your strength to continue to fulfill the valuable ministry that you have in Colombia.
In Christ,
Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca
Interim general secretary
World Council of Churches