World Community of Reformed Churches celebrates 150 years in Thailand!

World Community of Reformed Churches celebrates 150 years in Thailand!

A significant gathering will take place in Chiang Mai, Thailand from October 14th to 23rd, 2023. The World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) is not only celebrating a proud 150th anniversary, but is also inviting over 100 million Christians from more than 230 member churches worldwide to an intensive exchange. Under the motto “Perseverance in Witness,” inspired by the biblical letter to the Hebrews, current challenges and issues that concern the global community will be discussed.

The General Assembly provides a platform to discuss far-reaching issues such as social justice, economic inequality and the integrity of creation. Setri Nyomi, the long-time Secretary General of the WCRK, has already provided information about the feedback: Positive feedback comes primarily from the global south, while the reactions from the global north are more critical. This diversity of opinions could lead to exciting discussions.

A look at the Accra Confession

A central element of the discussion will be the Accra Confession, which was adopted in Ghana 20 years ago. Not only does it criticize global economic injustice, but it also shines a spotlight on the ecological destruction and unjust power structures that still exist today. It describes the current global economic order as “idolatrous and sinful” and is a wake-up call against the climate crisis and social inequalities. In this context, the responsibility of the churches to actively position themselves against these grievances is also discussed. According to the Accra Confession, the urgencies of social justice and environmental responsibility are considered fundamental elements of the faith.

The WCRK, which moved its headquarters from Geneva to Hanover in 2014, acts as an international umbrella for Protestant churches and deals with various social and theological issues. This happens not only in the form of meetings, but also through concrete calls to action. The member churches are called upon to actively engage with the content of the confession in order to bring about lasting changes in society and the global economy.

The role of women in the church

Another exciting aspect of this General Assembly will be the role of women within the churches. Najla Kassab, the first female president of the WCRC, has been promoting education and the ordination of women in churches since 2017. Your vision could create a significant difference in the discourse around gender equality and church unity.

On February 1, 2024, Philip Vinod Peacock from India will also become the new Secretary General of the WCRC, making him the first leader from Asia to hold this position. This not only shows the growing relevance of Asian churches within the global context, but could also bring a breath of fresh air into the work of the WCRC.

The General Assembly in Chiang Mai is also hosted by the Church of Christ in Thailand, supported by other Asian member churches. Chiang Mai, as a cultural center in the north of Thailand, could give the event a special setting. This is the WCRC's second meeting in Asia, the first being held in South Korea in 1989.

At a time when economic and ecological issues are becoming increasingly pressing, the WCRC's assembly impressively shows that the churches can play an important role in the global debate about justice and humanity. The entire event promises to provide diverse insights and inspiration for a new ecumenism that is characterized not only by theological convictions but also by deep social responsibility.

For further information about the General Meeting and its topics, visit the reports from evangelische-zeitung.de, wcrc.eu and ref.ch.