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“It’s a great joy and a privilege for me to be with you today, and to bring you greetings on behalf of the World Council of Churches,” he said. “Our 352 member churches in 120 countries in the world with almost 600 million people join me in bringing greetings to you.”
Pillay is participating in the Persekutuan Gereja-gereja di Indonesia (Communion of Churches in Indonesia) annual meeting, as well as visiting member churches and government leaders.
He shared a brief overview of the WCC’s history, and an explanation of how the WCC works with global issues.
“As you know there are so many countries in the world that are going through such difficult times,” he said. “There are wars and conflicts, and the World Council of Churches works for justice and for peace in the world, and for that we are able to bring not only Christians together but also people of other faiths.”
This is Pillay’s first visit to Indonesia since assuming the office of WCC general secretary.
He noted that the task is to create a better world for all people and all creation. “It doesn't matter from where in the world we come,” he said. “It doesn't matter what culture or language we speak but when we are in Jesus Christ we speak a common language. It is a language of love and acceptance.”
The Persekutuan Gereja-gereja di Indonesia meeting is taking place in Mentawai, West Sumatra from 26-30 January, and is drawing 96 churches as well as regional ecumenical partners.
Rev. Gomar Gultom, general chairperson of Persekutuan Gereja-gereja di Indonesia, expressed his appreciation for the presence of Pillay, acknowledging that this is the first presence ever of a WCC general secretary in the central committee meeting of Persekutuan Gereja-gereja di Indonesia.
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Photo:
Claudia Leodist
