At the opening of the World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee in Johannesburg, South Africa—a journalist’s question sparked candid answers: “Is the world listening to the WCC?"
The World Council of Churches is an ecumenical partner supported by the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund, one of the United Methodist Church’s seven apportionment funds. Through this fund, United Methodists share in the global work of building Christian unity, confronting injustice, and lifting up voices too often ignored.
A Global Voice for Peace and Justice
In response to the journalist’s question, WCC leaders shared stories of hope an impact. Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, moderator of the WCC central committee, said that much depends on how the WCC’s message is carried—by journalists, churches, and individuals.
“We always talk in TV and in newspapers about these people in power who are often behind the violence,” he said. “Let’s talk more about the victims.”
Rev. Merlyn Hyde-Riley, vice moderator, said the world is listening—even if not everyone hears it at once. She pointed to the global reach of Thursdays in Black, a campaign to end rape and violence, as an example of how the church’s message is being heard and embraced.
Unity in a Divided World
Throughout the gathering, leaders emphasized the church’s responsibility to speak boldly in a broken world. Bedford-Strohm spoke of the Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity, a journey the WCC continues to walk in a world filled with despair.
Hyde-Riley highlighted the structural issues harming people made in God’s image, calling the WCC’s work “pivotal” in addressing human suffering.
Archbishop Dr. Vicken Aykazian described the WCC as “the voice of the voiceless—a blessing to humanity.” And Bishop Sithembele Anton Sipuka of the South African Council of Churches added, “People have confidence in the church. We will not stop until they listen.”
World Council of Churches website
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund enables United Methodists to share a presence and a voice in the activities of several national and worldwide ecumenical organizations. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund apportionment at 100 percent.
