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In a sermon, delivered on 17 September during the opening welcome service of the new academic semester at the Vancouver School of Theology, joined by the members of the WCC Reference Group, Pillay drew on the biblical story of Esther.
He invited students and ecumenical participants to consider their calling “for such a time as this,” amid wars, displacement, inequality, racism, religious intolerance, polarization, and the ecological crisis.
The WCC general secretary emphasized that theological education must lead not simply to greater knowledge but to transformed lives and communities.
“Because the purpose of theology is not simply to fill your head. It is to open your heart,” said Pillay.
He also challenged Christians to cultivate the capacity to live with difference without allowing disagreement to become division. Drawing on Jesus’ call to love one’s neighbour and enemy, the sermon highlighted the need for people who can “hold convictions without hatred,” speak truth without cruelty and build bridges across divisions, amplifying the call to justice, compassion, humility, and hope.
Pillay concluded by reminding students and ecumenical leaders that Christian hope does not deny suffering but responds to it with confidence in God’s continuing work.
“God is not finished with the world. And God is not finished with the church. And God is certainly not finished with you.”
The meeting of the Reference Group goes on until 22 September and is hosted by the Vancouver School of Theology at the University of British Columbia, together with the Canadian Council of Churches.
WCC Pilgrimage Reference Group to gather in Vancouver (WCC news release, 15 September 2026)
Learn more about the Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity
