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Specialized ministries are church-related organizations working in the area of development, disaster response and relief, mission, and advocacy.
The session opened with a time of prayer and welcome, setting a reflective and purposeful tone.
WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay led the dialogue, highlighting the gratitude to the specialized ministries for continued support, partnership, and commitment.
Speaking on the signs of the times, Pillay took a moment to consider the reality of the world and the challenge faced together.
"Today, the cry for justice grows louder: economic justice, gender justice, climate justice - and digital justice also looms large as inequalities in access and power reshape our societies", he said. "These are not abstract issues for the WCC—they are the very heart of our mission. We remain committed to addressing them, now more than ever”, added Pillay.
“In these difficult days, we move forward with resilience and hope. We must be people of faith—lifting and living that faith in action. The WCC strives to play its role in this context—always in collaboration with others like you, with NGOs, churches, and faith-based organizations around the world.”
The agenda also included presentations about WCC financial outlooks, plans for the Ecumenical Year 2025, and the meeting of the WCC central committee in Johannesburg, South Africa, next June.
In June 2023, the WCC central committee established strategies, commissions and working groups in response to the assembly mandate. In South Africa, the central committee will initiate a mid-term review of strategies and governance as well as preparations for the next assembly in 2030 by inviting churches to host the assembly and electing the following:
- A mid-term evaluation working group – reporting in June 2027
- A governance review working group – reporting in June 2027 and June 2029
- An assembly planning committee and a worship planning committee – reporting in June 2027 and June 2029
The discussion and exchange among participants underscored the importance of collective wisdom and collaboration as the WCC continues its mission of justice, reconciliation, and unity.
Navigating crisis with courage: adaptive change and ethical resolve (WCC feature story, 1 May 2025)
“Pursuing Peace Together” - WCC publishes Annual Review 2024 (WCC news release, 28 April 2025)
