During a visit with Pope Francis in Rome on 23 March, a World Council of Churches (WCC) delegation and the Roman Catholic Church committed to walking, praying. and working together for justice, reconciliation, and unity.
Those gathered noted that, as the WCC is entering a new phase of leadership, the global fellowship expresses gratitude for the message of Pope Francis to the WCC 11th Assembly, particularly the vision that a common mission as followers of Christ is to bring reconciliation to the world and to inspire churches to continue their journey together in a Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity.
The WCC delegation and Pope Francis noted that their ongoing work builds on former leaders and member churches that have helped the global fellowship’s strategic plan for the next eight years focus on unity, vision, justice, peace, and making the world a better place for all humans and all creation.
The meeting noted the ever-stronger bonds between the WCC and the Roman Catholic Church as they continue to develop increasing levels of collaboration in shared work and shared commitment to the one ecumenical movement. This year marks the 58th year of collaboration through the Joint Working Group between the WCC and Roman Catholic Church.
More details can be found here.
Joint Working Group between the WCC and the Roman Catholic Church
Bishop Bedford-Strohm, moderator of the WCC central committee, Pope Francis, and Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC general secretary, during the meeting at the Vatican on 23 March. (Photo: Vatican Media)
Photo: Vatican Media