In message to Baden and Württemberg churches, WCC acting general secretary rejoices in holding the WCC 11th Assembly in Germany

Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, WCC acting general secretary. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC

In a video for regional churches in Baden and Württemberg, World Council of Churches (WCC) acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca offers warm greetings that look forward to holding the WCC 11th Assembly in Germany.

“Christians and churches in Europe and elsewhere—and first of all young people —are deeply concerned with the climate emergency and with growing inequalities and injustices catalyzed by the pandemic, such as unequal access to vaccination,” he said. “The search for just and peaceful responses to those global concerns is high on the agenda of the next global assembly of the World Council of Churches.”

The 30-minute video, which has messages from religious leaders as well as policymakers from Baden and Württemberg, was sent after an annual reception hosted by Baden and Württemberg churches had to be canceled because of coronavirus concerns. 

“We rejoice in holding the WCC 11th Assembly in Germany next year, thanks to the hospitality of German churches, and thanks to public support,” said Sauca.

The theme of the assembly is “Christ’s love moves the world to reconciliation and unity”—a theme that was created before the COVID-19 pandemic but has become even more vital in today’s world, notes Sauca in the video.

“Christians and churches will meditate together on this theme and make plans for future common work, globally and in their respective contexts,” said Sauca. “The assembly theme is an expression of faith and hope strongly rooted in the Christian tradition.”

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