WCC youth commission draws inspiration, determination for the way forward

The gathering, held from 13-19 November, united young ecumenical leaders from around the globe with a mission to amplify youth voices, address pressing global and local challenges, and establish intentional, actionable strategies for youth-led faith initiatives.

Spending time in Manila’s communities that are oppressed and marginalised in many ways, the ecumenical youth leaders listened to the narratives of displaced fisher folks, who are suffering because of government reclamation projects. Youth leaders also met women living with HIV and AIDS who are facing stigma, discrimination, and lack of medical support and attention. Young people spent time with urban poor communities that are vulnerable to natural disasters, and with mothers and family members of those who have been victimised by the Duterte regime.

Exploring the role of churches

Church visits gave a glimpse of the prayer life and fellowship among WCC member churches who welcomed the youth commissioners in their congregations.

Rev. Homar Rubert Distajo from the United Church of Christ in the Philippines shared in a sermon, saying: “We are part of the global community bound by our common mission and witness to Christ’s love, and Christ’s justice in a fragmented world.” 

He added that, standing together as one, we bear witness to the unity Christ prayed for—the very essence of ecumenism. 

He addressed the young people with the words, “The church needs your energy, vision, and courage as bearers of hope in this generation.” 

Karen Erina Puimera, moderator of the commission, from the Protestant Church in Western Indonesia, shared the commission’s plans to build connections with other commissions to address issues that are relevant to youth right now. “I believe that the youth representatives in consultative bodies, or even in the central committee, will always bring forward the issues of young people and their experiences,” she said.

“I have seen the churches in the Philippines show their solidarity and how they sacrifice themselves for the sake of doing good for others especially for those who are oppressed by the regulations that are not standing by them.”

Loving their neighbour

Ann Chris Jacob, a vice moderator of the commission from the United Methodist Church (US), said the commission was inspired by the journey of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines and their ecumenical partners who have gathered to say that following Christ and serving those in need is not a crime. “We have been inspired by their journey, their advocacy, and their commitment to loving their neighbour,” she said.

“Since this is our first in-person meeting, it was a very important thing for us to get to know the youth work here in the Philippines because that also helped us to think how we could see each other in seven or eight years,” said Lorena Catalina Bonilla Garcia, a commission vice moderator from the Mennonite Church of Colombia. 

Rev. Bjorn Benjamin Varma Warde, a commission vice moderator from the Presbyterian Church of Trinidad and Tobago, said: “We seek to amplify the voices of the youth by collaborating with other committees and the WCC.” 

For him, the experience was eyeopening in that he heard and witnessed the prophetic voice of the ecumenical movement in the Philippines. He sees an opportunity to place things into the proper perspective as youth return to their own contexts.

Danil Arakelian, a commission vice moderator from the Russian Orthodox Church, when asked what he believes is the way forward, said: “That the commission, through its working groups, should establish clear goals and plans of work for the nearest months. Despite the fact that we probably will not have an in-person meeting in the coming year, we plan to work intensively online.”

Arakelian added: “I was strongly impressed by the way young Christians in the Philippines are involved in the ecumenical movement and by their commitment to live their faith in the social context of their country.” 

This gathering not only reinforced the importance of youth as active contributors to the present and future of the church but also highlighted the transformative power of solidarity and collaboration. Guided by messages of love, justice, and unity from local church leaders, the youth commissioners committed to amplifying their prophetic voices and fostering relationships that transcend borders.

As they return to their respective contexts, the commission carries forward a shared vision of hope, unity, and actionable faith.

Photo gallery- WCC Youth Commission 2024

WCC News release: Youth commission elects four new vice moderators- 21 November 2024

WCC News release: Youth commission moderator: “we act and journey together”- 20 November 2024

WCC News release: WCC youth commission gathers for first in-person meeting- 14 November 2024

Learn more about the Young people in the ecumenical movement