Feature story
“This trip has shown that now is time to hold hands while walking together on the pilgrimage. We can mutually support each other,” said WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay.
Conversations centered around the capacity of congregations to speak to various and diverse members of the community – diverse politically, racially, economically, theologically.
Pillay was accompanied by Rev. Dr Angelique Walker-Smith, WCC president from North America, and Rev. Nathan D. Wilson and Lori Ransom, WCC staff.
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Breakfast meeting with Canadian church leaders in Winnipeg.
Paul Gehrs/ELCIC
During the visit coordinated by the Canadian Council of Churches, the WCC delegation and Canadian churches talked about the necessity of collaborating and partnering in order to share mutual gifts – global, regional, and local.
The role and involvement of youth and young adults was an important focus. Pillay and Walker-Smith discussed with youth the current and future state of the church, what social issues are top of their minds, how they can connect with the WCC, the importance of authentic dialogue, and the need for the young adult voices and votes as well as presence.
At a Kairos Forum on Palestine-Israel meeting, Pillay restated the WCC’s consistent witness against war in all shapes and forms, and in all places and times.
At Broadway Disciples Church, in Winnipeg, Pillay preached about personal salvation, social transformation, and the power of the Holy Spirit to move us both personally and socially – that is, in us as we grow as Christ’s disciples and in the world as we respond to God’s desires for this world God so loves. He rooted the sermon in the Advent Season and was invited to pray for a family who came forward to join the church that day.
The WCC delegation also met Hon. Nellie Kennedy, Manitoba Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, and the Hon. Malaya Marcelino, Manitoba Minister of Labour and Immigration, and discussed issues such as homelessness, hunger, poverty, education, racism, and Indigenous relations.
Churches in Canada welcome WCC general secretary (WCC news release, 10 December 2024)
Join a conversation on unity, justice, and peace in Canada (WCC news release, 4 December 2024)
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Meeting with Hon. Nellie Kennedy, Manitoba Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, and the Hon. Malaya Marcelino, Manitoba Minister of Labour and Immigration.
CCC
