The World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee will convene in Paralimni, Cyprus, from 21-26 November to focus on planning for 2025, including the budget and implementation of WCC strategies.
The thematic focus will be peace-building in the context of occupation, war, and conflicts. The executive committee will visit culturally significant sites in Cyprus, as well as meet with church leaders, and UN envoys.
The meeting is being held in Cyprus at the invitation of the Church of Cyprus, Holy Metropolis of Constantia and Ammochostos, extended by H.E. Metropolitan Dr Vasilios of Constantia – Ammochostos, Church of Cyprus, WCC president.
The gathering of the governing body is planned as a significant encounter on the Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity. Particular attention will be given to the experience of 50 years of Turkish occupation and division of the country and its impact on the people, churches, and the Republic of Cyprus.
“On our Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity the executive committee will meet in another place wounded by violent conflict,” said WCC moderator Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm. “After Nigeria and Colombia we are now meeting in Cyprus, a beautiful island divided by a demarcation line, due to the Turkish invasion in 1974.”
He noted that, in dialogue with the hosts, the WCC will explore backgrounds of the conflict and possible paths to a just peace. “Such dialogues connected with business and with prayer are a perfect design to reflect our pilgrimage,” he said.
The business agenda also includes preparations for the central committee, which will meet 18-24 June 2025 in Johannesburg, as well as an update on the Green Village property development project.
The spiritual life will include a prayer each morning with a different parish. The meeting will take place on the premises of the Holy Diocese of Constantia and Ammochostos.
The executive committee will also issue statements on public issues affecting the life and witness of the churches.
Source: oikoumene.org
