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Dear sisters and brothers in Christ at The Episcopal Church General Convention,
“May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:5-6)
In the name of the God who loves all, I greet you on behalf of the fellowship of 352 churches throughout the world that constitute the World Council of Churches!
It is with a spirit of unity and hope that I address you, even as we navigate through troubled times in a world marked by division and conflict. The challenges we face are numerous and multifaceted, from the deep fractures in our societies to the escalating impacts of climate change, which threaten the very fabric of God’s creation. Our call to embody the love and teachings of Christ is more crucial than ever. Unity in our mission and collaboration in our ministries are vital as we strive to heal divisions and bring hope to those in despair.
We give thanks for the longstanding and impressive commitments of The Episcopal Church to matters of unity and justice, reconciliation and peace. We are following closely the decisions you will make at this, your 81st Convention, as your decisions will extend these historic commitments, and our ministry together, into the future.
The church’s work in areas such as antiracism and reconciliation, advocacy on behalf of all God’s children, care for the Earth, economic justice, and church vitality relate directly to the work the World Council of Churches does throughout the world with you, our other member churches, and ecumenical partners in over 120 countries.
May your deliberations and decisions during this General Convention be guided by the Holy Spirit, leading us towards paths of justice, mercy, and love. Let us continue to support one another, drawing strength from our shared faith, as we endeavor to be beacons of light in these dark times.
In particular, we hold you in prayer as you elect a presiding bishop, and we already pray for that person to have resilience, clarity of thought, and bold action. Whoever the next bishop is, they will find colleagues in the fellowship of the WCC eager to journey with them in the ways of Christ.
May God bless you, gathered for this historic occasion, and may God bless all who work to make the case for love increasingly present in our very divided world.
Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay
General Secretary
World Council of Churches
