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Text: Acts 2:1–31; 1 Corinthians 2:12–27.
Introduction
In this year, in which all churches have shared a common Easter and therefore have the joy of celebrating a common Pentecost, we, the presidents of the World Council of Churches, greet you in the spirit of Christian love and fellowship. Sharing these celebrations strengthens both our experience of Christian unity and our determination to hope and pray for the visible unity of the Church.
Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the Feast of Weeks. Pentecost Sunday is a time when we celebrate the founding of the church, as we read in Acts 2:1–31. God’s Holy Spirit descended in power after the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Christ to enable them to preach the good news effectively.
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.(Acts 2:1–4; NRSV).
This moment marked the beginning of the Christian church’s mission, a mission still propelled today by the same Spirit, as the theme of the WCC 11th assembly reminded us: “Christ’s love moves the world to reconciliation and unity.”
Unity and Diversity in One Body (1 Cor. 12:12-–27)
According to 1 Corinthians 12:12–27, the body of Christ (Church) has many members and all the members of that one body are one body in Christ Jesus. For, by one Spirit, we were all baptized into one body – whatever church, tradition, or confession we come from – we have all been made one in the same Spirit.
As it is, there are many members, yet one body.
But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honour to the inferior member, that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together with it.
Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. (1 Cor. 12: 20, 24–27; NRSVV).
At this Pentecost, let us celebrate the diversity of the church, and also celebrate that God, the Holy Trinity, is making us one. Our unity in Christ is driven, empowered and blessed by the Holy Spirit, and the experience of the living Spirit of God empowers us to go on seeking the unity that is God’s gift. This is the privilege and work of our fellowship in the World Council of Churches.
In this remarkable ecumenical year, the WCC central committee will meet in Johannesburg, South Africa, during the week following Pentecost. Representatives from our diverse fellowship will gather, and will pray for the Holy Spirit to come with power and blessing upon their meeting, but also upon the world that God so loves. The gathering will also provide a timely opportunity to engage with the African Union’s 2025 theme: "2025 Year of Reparations—Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,” in partnership with CARICOM and the recent focus of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.[1] It is a call not only for reflection but for clarity, courage, and a strategic reframing of the reparations discourse and reparatory justice vision.
Wherever you are, and whatever the most pressing concerns of your churches, may the Holy Spirit bless you with comfort and challenge, with a voice to speak the good news and with the hope of unity.
Lord God Almighty,
inspire us by your Holy Spirit.
Fill our hearts with passion for the Gospel
and a longing for unity,
that through your Church,
the Holy Spirit may fulfil your mission,
and that all who hear the word
may be drawn to you,
through Christ Jesus,
our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
Presidents of the World Council of Churches
H.H. Catholicos ARAM I, Armenian Apostolic Church (Holy See of Cilicia)
Rev. Dr Susan DURBER, United Reformed Church
Rev. Dr Henriette HUTABARAT-LEBANG, Gereja Toraja
Most Rev. Dr Rufus Okikiola OSITELU, Church of the Lord (Prayer Fellowship) Worldwide
Rev. François PIHAATAE, Église protestante Maohi
Rev. Dr Angélique WALKER-SMITH, National Baptist Convention USA, Inc.
Rt Rev. Philip WRIGHT, Church in the Province of the West Indies
H.E. Metropolitan Dr VASILIOS OF CONSTANTIA AND AMMOCHOSTOS, Church of Cyprus
[1] https://au.int/en/slides/20250313/2025-theme-year-2025-year-reparations-justice-africans-people-african-descent (accessed: 22nd May, 2025). https://caricom.org/caricom-african-union-is-an-essential-alliance-for-realising-the-reparations-claim-dr-hilary-brown/
