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Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay

Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, the general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC).

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He is the ninth general secretary in the WCCs history since the fellowship of churches was founded in 1948.

Pillay is currently dean of the Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Pretoria. A member of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa, he is from South Africa.

Pillay was one of two candidates standing for election to the WCC's highest administrative post. The other candidate was Dr Elizabeth Joy. Pillay will replace outgoing acting general secretary Rev. Prof Dr Ioan Sauca, who began serving in that position in April 2020, when the previous general secretary, Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, was appointed as the presiding bishop of the Church of Norway.

Dr Agnes Abuom, WCC central committee moderator, shared words of congratulations and blessings in Pillays new ministry.

May the WCC global fellowship warmly welcome you, pray for you, and show you in every way that we care for you as you take on important leadership in our ongoing journey toward Christian unity,” she said. You and the ecumenical movement are making history—and forming a future in which we can live out Gods love for one another and for all.”

The general secretary serves as the WCCs chief executive officer, and leads the WCCs work, including final responsibility for WCCs work and its staff.

Dr Pillay will take up his position 1 January 2023.

Name: Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay

Occupation: Dean of the Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Pretoria

Church: Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa

Country: South Africa

Born: 1965

The press conference 17 June  at  13.45 CEST will be live streamed at the WCC youtube channel and www.oikoumene.org/live

Address by Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay to the WCC Central committee

WCC Central committee meeting, June 2022

Press photos of the new WCC general secretary

Photos from the WCC central committee meeting, June 2022