WCC general secretary welcomed at Christian Conference of Asia headquarters in Chiang Mai

A dinner reception in honour of Pillay brought together more than 100 guests, including global ecumenical leaders, representatives of Christian Conference of Asia member churches, and councils attending the 27th General Council of the World Communion of Reformed Churches, representatives of ecumenical partner organisations from Europe, North America, the Caribbean, and Africa, as well as interfaith leaders and representatives of churches in Thailand.

The evening, which marked Pillay’s first visit to the Christian Conference of Asia headquarters as WCC general secretary, also brought together several ecumenical friends from across Asia, along with other guests visiting the Christian Conference of Asia and Chiang Mai for the first time.

In his address, Pillay thanked the Christian Conference of Asia for organising the reception to welcome him and other ecumenical colleagues, and highlighted the significance of collaboration and unity in responding to the pressing challenges facing the world today.

“The World Council of Churches, as well as regional ecumenical organisations and partners, are working together to strengthen collaboration and engagement. The crises we face in today’s world are far too complex for any one body to address alone. Collaboration is critical and crucial in this time and in this age. We are stronger together, and we can do more together,” said Pillay.

Pillay also commended the Christian Conference of Asia for its longstanding partnership with the WCC, highlighting the recent joint pastoral solidarity visit of the WCC and Christian Conference of Asia general secretaries to Myanmar as an example of effective cooperation.

“We are pilgrims and co-pilgrims, journeying together. The WCC wants to be present with you: to struggle with you, to rejoice with you, to support you, and to advocate alongside you. We want to amplify your voices and tell your stories so the world may know and listen. Where there is struggle, there must be unity, togetherness, and collaboration in serving God and God’s people,” Pillay said.

CCA Press Release: WCC General Secretary welcomed at CCA headquarters in Chiang Mai