Feature story
More than just a business meeting, the central committee was also full of prayer: a daily morning devotion—and prayers in committees, at difficult moments, upon hearing sad or alarming news from the world, before meals, and during vespers.
Voices of local churches, traditions, and denominations greatly enriched the spiritual life of the gathering.
On 22 June, central committee members, stewards, and ecumenical partners and friends attended many different services in local churches. Several central committee members were invited to speak or preach.
Capturing the essence of spiritual life at the gathering, some stewards reflected on their experiences.
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24 June 2025, Johannesburg, South Africa: Central committee steward Bupe Kibiki of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania reads a word of prayer during Closing prayer observed at the 2025 Central Committee meeting of the World Council of Churches taking place in Johannesburg (South Africa) from 18 to 24 June 2025 on the theme ’Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity’.
Albin Hillert/WCC
Steward Bupe Henry Kibiki, from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, attended a
Presbyterian church Sunday service for the first time. “The church, first built in 1965 by missionaries and later expanded in 2005, has a mission to grow in spirit and serve without discrimination,” she said. “Pastors not wearing robes was a new experience to me.”
The service featured songs in Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, and English. “One more thing that was new to me is that they sing the national anthem after prayers at every Sunday service,” she described. “I genuinely felt the spirit of ecumenism, despite being from a different denomination and country."
Steward Peter Ndi, from the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, visited the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon at the Bramley Congregation in Johannesburg.
“One notable distinction from worship services in Cameroon was the extended praise session, which brought a joyful and expressive energy to the gathering,” he said. “While the liturgy and doctrine remained consistent with Presbyterian Church in Cameroon practices back home, the cultural nuances of the service enriched the experience of unity in diversity.”
The congregational chairperson expressed joy at the presence of the stewards, and encouraged local youths to follow their example by engaging in global church events as such exposure fosters spiritual growth and broadens understanding of the church’s global witness.
“This experience reminded me of the deep interconnectedness of the body of Christ,” said Ndi. “Though far from home, I felt the same spirit of fellowship, worship, and mission that binds us as one church.”
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Ecumenical service on the National Prayer Day for Healing and Reconciliation at Grace Bible Church, Soweto, organised by the South African Council of Churches on the theme ”Confronting the Past: Building a Reconciled Society for Restoration and Dignity”, 22 June 2025. The service is attended by members of World Council of Churches leadership and governance, present for the WCC Central Committee meeting taking place 18-24 June 2025 in Johannesburg.
Albin Hillert/WCC
Steward Chiyamiko Chibwana, from the Anglican Church in Zambia, attended a service at NG Gemeente Impalapark. The theme was “Transformative Accompaniment,” based on Luke 24:13–31, led by Rev. Brian Muyunga from the Church of Uganda, a member of the WCC central committee.
“It was heartwarming to be in a Dutch Reformed Church—everyone was kind and welcoming,” said Chibwana. “Blankets were provided during the service, and I was even invited to explain the work of the WCC, which was well received. Though I was the only Black person in the pews, I felt fully embraced. The doctrines were familiar, and I’d gladly visit again to learn more and share stories.”
A communion of believers
Rev. Dr Kuzipa Nalwamba, programne director for Unity, Mission, and Ecumenical Formation, preached at the Phillip Eugene United Congregational Church of Southern Africa, under the theme “So That the World May Believe.”
She noted that true religion, true unity, is lived in acts of justice, mercy, and humility. "These are not optional—they are required,” she said. “The unity of the church is meant to be a sign to the world of God's reconciling love.”
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21 June 2025, Johannesburg, South Africa: Rev. Dr Mauro Batista De Souza of the Igreja Evangélica de Confissão Luterana no Brasil pictured during morning prayer observed at the 2025 Central Committee meeting of the World Council of Churches taking place in Johannesburg (South Africa) from 18 to 24 June 2025 on the theme ’Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity’.
Albin Hillert/WCC
Nalwamba reflected on the kind of community we are called to be.
“As the WCC, we are not just a network of institutions—we are a communion of believers, a signpost of God’s dream for the world,” she said.
The work of ecumenism cannot be separated from the cries of the earth and the poor, she added. “If our unity avoids addressing racism, it is not faithful. If we ignore the cries of creation, it is not sustainable. If we silence the young, it is not just.”
That means joining hands with all who seek justice.
“Churches are not called to uniformity but to communion—unity in diversity, centered in Christ, and sent into the world,” said Nalwamba. “Our togetherness should be so radical, so loving, so honest, that the world sees Christ.”
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24 June 2025, Johannesburg, South Africa: Rev. Dr Gustav Fredrich Claassen of the Dutch Reformed Church pictured during morning prayer led by the Dutch Reformed Church at the 2025 Central Committee meeting of the World Council of Churches taking place in Johannesburg (South Africa) from 18 to 24 June 2025 on the theme ’Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity’.
Albin Hillert/WCC
Rev. Dr Gustav Claassen, WCC central committee member and local coordinator of the meeting, from the Dutch Reformed Church, reflected that ultimately the spiritual life of the gathering was about hope.
“When hearts from many traditions listen together for God’s will, the Spirit moves not in one voice, but in a holy harmony — a sacred discernment shaped by unity, humility, and hope,” he said.
Coordination of the spiritual life of the WCC central committee meeting was by Rev. Dr Mikie Roberts, WCC programme executive for Spiritual Life.
WCC Central Committee, June 2025
WCC general secretary reflects on daring to hope amid struggle (WCC news release, 18 June 2025)
