Feature story
Christian Aid CEO Patrick Watt said he was delighted to welcome Piilay. “As a specialized ministry of the World Council of Churches, and an ecumenical agency of the British and Irish churches, our work continues to have close connections to the WCC and its members,” said Watt. “We were able to discuss our shared priorities of peacebuilding, and climate and gender justice. I look forward to us taking these priorities forward together in the coming months and years.”
Pillay visited Christian Aid from 7-9 May, exploring ways to strengthen collaboration for peace-building.
WCC president from Europe Rev. Dr Susan Durber expressed joy at being able to attend the visit. “The global fellowship of the WCC and the work of Christian Aid are two vital ways for Christians in the UK to be part of the whole ‘oecumene,’the world that God so loves,” she said. “It was clear that there are so many shared visions and hopes for justice, peace, and deeper understanding of the world’s realities and needs.”
Christian Aid was founded in 1945 by British and Irish churches with a mandate to end the injustice of poverty, and to build a world in which every person has fulness of life.
“It was good to hear people asking how they could connect more fully with the World Council of Churches, and how we could walk together in shared faith,” said Durber. “The general secretary highlighted 2025 as an 'ecumenical year’ and encouraged us all to witness to the unity that the world so badly needs.”
Durber noted that last week was “Christian Aid Week” in the UK. “We hope to raise awareness, resources, and prayers for the vital work of ending poverty,” she said.
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WCC general secretary at the Quaker Office in London.
Quakers in Britain
Pillay also met at the Quaker Office in London for a session, ”Pause to Reflect: Celebration, Opportunity & Challenge in the EAPPI Programme," to discuss the WCC Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel.
Recording clerk of Quakers in Britain, Paul Parker, said the gathering affirmed the deep commitment to peace.
“Quakers in Britain were glad to welcome Jerry Pillay and some of our ecumenical partners to pause and reflect at this time of horrific violence in Palestine and Israel,” said Parker. “The gathering affirmed our commitment to the work and witness of ecumenical accompaniers.”
Parker added: “Our resolve remains to accompany churches and communities under threat in Palestine, and to speak out in the name of justice for an end to the occupation. We thank Jerry Pillay and the World Council of Churches for their commitment to strengthening this vital work.”
