A gathering of World Council of Churches (WCC) commissions and reference groups on Life, Justice and Peace opened in Chiang Mai, where ecumenical leaders will explore what “Being Church in the World Today” means.
Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, general secretary of the World Council of Churches adressed the Joint Conference of WCC Commissions and Reference Groups on Life, Justice and Peace on the openning day of the conference in Chiang Mai, Thailand, 5 October 2026.
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WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, in his opening address, offered a WCC perspective on ecclesiology, mission, witness, and hope.
“Humanity faces wars and armed conflicts, growing inequalities, displacement and migration, ecological destruction, technological disruption, artificial intelligence, religious and political polarization, declining confidence in institutions, and profound questions concerning human dignity and the future of life itself,” he said. “At the same time, Christianity itself is experiencing major transformations.”
The church is God’s before it is ours, reflected Pillay. “Here unity is not an ecclesial luxury,” he said. “It is related directly to Christian witness.”
He further noted that a divided church struggles to proclaim a reconciled Christ. “This is particularly important for the ecumenical movement,” he said. “The WCC’s understanding of unity cannot be reduced to organizational uniformity.”
Dr Prawate Khid-arn, assistant general secretary for ecumenical relations of the Church of Christ in Thailand, prayed that the meeting will renew people’s hearts, deepen their commitment, and give them fresh energy and courage for the journey ahead.
“May our discussions lead not only to words and recommendations, but also to meaningful actions that bring hope to those who suffer, restore human dignity, strengthen justice, care for God’s creation, and contribute to genuine and lasting peace,” said Khid-arn. “May the Holy Spirit guide your conversations, inspire your discernment, and strengthen our common witness.”
Rev. Grace Moon, general secretary of Christian Conference of Asia, noted the context of the meeting in Asia—a region full of spiritual richness, cultural diversity, and resilience, yet also a place where many still face challenges like inequality, displacement, violence, discrimination, and climate change.
“Our Christian faith means we cannot ignore suffering or injustice—we are called to stand with those who are hurting, excluded, or silenced,” said Moon. “We cannot solve these problems alone.”
Moon further noted that climate injustice, conflict, and discrimination are all connected. “Our calling goes beyond charity—it is about working together for justice, healing, and the well-being of all people and creation,” said Moon.
The conference marks the second time that WCC commissions related to the Life, Justice, and Peace programme are meeting – the first such gathering was held in Geneva in 2024.
The first day of the conference currently underway began with pilgrimage encounters, giving participants an opportunity to meet local communities and organizations in and around Chiang Mai working on issues including clean air, migration, HIV and health justice, and interfaith dialogue.
Address by the WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay: Being Church in the World Today: A WCC Perspective on Ecclesiology, Mission, Witness and Hope
PHOTO GALLERY: Conference of the WCC Commissions and Reference Groups on Life, Justice and Peace in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Learn more about the Joint Conference of the WCC Commissions and Reference Groups on Life, Justice and Peace
Opening prayer of the Joint Conference of WCC Commissions and Reference Groups on Life, Justice and Peace, held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from 4 to 10 October 2026.
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