The World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee closed on 25 November, ending a six-day meeting in Hangzhou, China, hosted by the China Christian Council.
Vibrant Church in China
Preceding the formal business meeting, WCC leadership of the central committee got a special glimpse of the vibrant church in China.
The China Christian Council, Three-Self Patriotic Movement, and Amity Foundation warmly welcomed WCC leadership of the central committee on 17-18 November, offering an introduction to the church in China, which is growing rapidly and has already drawn tens of millions of people.
Visiting the headquarters of the China Christian Council in Shanghai, WCC leadership of the central committee were hosted by Rev. Xu Xiaohong, chairperson of the National Committee of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Church in China; Rev. Wu Wei, president of the China Christian Council; and Rev. Dr Lin Manhong, residential vice president and general secretary of the China Christian Council.
After viewing a pilot project on green energy in Shanghai, the WCC members traveled to Nanjing, where they visited the Nanjing Theological Seminary, the flagship theological seminary of Protestant Christianity in China today.
Also on the agenda was a visit to the Amity Press and Amity Foundation. During a special event in Nanjing, China, on 18 November, with 300 participants and 90 international guests, the WCC extended congratulations to the Amity Foundation upon its 40th anniversary.
Opening Ceremony
The official opening ceremony was moderated by Rev. Dr Lin Manhong, residential vice president and general secretary of the China Christian Council; and Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC general secretary.
Wang Wenxu, director of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee offered a welcoming address, followed by an address from Rev. Xu Xiaohong, chairperson of the National Committee of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Church in China.
Imam Yang Faming, president of the China Islamic Association, also offered remarks.
Rev. Wu Wei, president of the China Christian Council, presented a special Nicaea 1700th anniversary Bible to the WCC.
Duan Yijun, vice minister of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, and director general of the National Religious Affairs Administration, welcomed the WCC to China as a sign of strong, healthy, and steadfast relations.
In a reflection offered during the opening prayer, Rev. Dr Manhong Lin, general secretary and vice president of the China Christian Council, spoke on the theme "Women Bearing Witness to Hope."
WCC central committee moderator Bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm offered an address centering on unity of the churches and climate justice action.
"Both are central to our Pilgrimage of Justice, Unity, and Reconciliation," he said. "Unity of the churches does not require an entirely common ecclesiology but a consensus that our different ecclesiologies do not have to separate us in the essential dimensions of our faith in the triune God."
WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay offered an overview of the many ecumenical commemorations and celebrations in 2025, which led to a fulfilling year of ecumenical visibility, vitality, unity, and strength.
Pillay acknowledged that it is unfortunate that so many countries are facing conflicts, challenges, and crises at different levels. "While nations pursue political ambitions, the climate crisis deepens," he said. "We continue to call for a transformation of hearts and systems."
The spiritual life included daily morning prayers with a different parish each day, combined with an introduction to the local congregation and thematic sessions presented by graduates from the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey from China.
Business Agenda
The business agenda also included preparations for the next executive committee, which will meet in June 2026 in Palestine, as well as an update on the Green Village property development project.
The executive committee issued statements on public issues affecting the life and witness of the churches.
Statements addressed the COP30 climate talks and G20 summit, as well as seeking hope for a just peace in Palestine and Israel; and concern for the suffering people of Sudan. A minute addressed the post-election situation in Tanzania.
The WCC executive committee also prayed for all victims of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, and for the death and destruction it has caused.
Pilgrimage Encounter Message
A special Pilgrimage Encounter Message underscored WCC's bonds with the people and churches in China, exploring the theme of "Christ, culture, and context."
Commissions and Reference Groups
The executive committee received an update on commissions, working groups and reference groups. The update is a regular item on the programme agenda to help monitor the implementation of the WCC strategic plan.
The executive committee renamed the Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum as the Palestine Ecumenical Forum, and approved expanding the forum's composition with expertise in theological reflection, advocacy capacity, and regional grounding.
Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action
The executive committee discussed the draft implementation framework for the Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action (2025-2034) and emphasized the role of this decade in accelerating visible unity among member churches. The important role of regional and national ecumenical bodies and member churches in implementing the framework was affirmed.
Finances
The executive committee received a financial monitoring report, approved the budget and the plans for 2026, and an update on the Green Village property development project.
The governing body discussed the challenges that WCC will face financially in 2026 and 2027 and what immediate steps will be needed to address programme needs, budget, and capital expenditures. The executive committee also underlined the need to develop a fundraising strategy for external resources and directing policies for creative fundraising.
Communications
The executive committee discussed the update on the WCC communication strategy and communication plans for 2026. WCC communication will continue to report on the most pressing concerns and deepest aspirations of people in the churches and beyond. The establishment of the Life and Work digital collection as an internet archive was highlighted as significant milestone in global ecumenism.
Closing Prayer
In a closing prayer, the WCC governing body expressed gratitude to the churches of China for hospitality, and shared prayers for moving forward to accompany churches and communities across the world.
Meetings in 2026 and 2027
The WCC executive committee will meet in Palestine in June and in Philippines in November 2026. The central committee will meet in June 2027 in Greece. The executive committee accepted the invitation of the Church of Greece, through the Diocese of Nea Ionia, Philadelphia, Heraklion, and Chalcedon, to host the next central committee meeting in Athens, 13-19 June 2027. The executive committee also received an update on the assembly preparations.
Originally from the World Council of Churches
CCD reprinted with permission
