News
The World Council of Churches (WCC) has extended congratulations to two former staff members who have been appointed to new positions leading two ecumenical organizations in Asia. Dr Mathews George Chunakara has been elected as general secretary of the Christian Conference of Asia and Rev. Dr Young-Cheol Cheon as general secretary of the Korean Diakonia.
Mathews George Chunakara from the Mar Thoma Syrian Church in India served the WCC in several positions over a period of almost 15 years. From 2009 to 2014 he was director of the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs. With a long experience of working on issues of human rights and international affairs in Asia and beyond, he has edited and authored a number of books on ecumenical themes related to human security.
Young-Cheol Cheon from the Presbyterian Church of Korea has served the WCC as communication liaison officer for the Asia region. Among other contributions to the ecumenical movement, Cheon worked intensively for the WCC in helping prepare the 10th Assembly held in 2013 in South Korea.
“We extend our heartiest congratulations and offer prayers for God’s blessings for our former colleagues who are taking up new and challenging roles,” said Rev. Dr Hielke Wolters, WCC’s acting general secretary. “While they serve the churches through their new Christian ministry, from the WCC we assure our support for their ecumenical endeavours,” he added.
“It is our hope that both Mathews George Chunakara and Young-Cheol Cheon will continue to serve the churches through their strong ecumenical commitment and experience,” he added.
Website of the Christian Conference of Asia
