Jerry Pillay, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), has called upon Indian churches to embrace unity and work towards justice, peace, and reconciliation in times of injustice, inequality, and suffering.
Delivering the keynote address at the ecumenical meeting during the 130th session of the Maramon Convention, Mr. Pillay said churches had the mandate to strive together in establishing God’s justice in the world and promoting harmony between God, humanity, and creation at large.
“Churches should rise above their differences and live up to their noble calling to bring about a transformed world. It is the need of the hour to fill our relationships with respect, love for one another, and a willingness to forgive,” he said.
Commenting on international affairs, Mr. Pillay cautioned that the reckless attitudes and decisions of some world leaders, without concern for human rights and dignity, were putting the lives of the vulnerable at greater risk. He urged the leaders of various churches present at the meeting to promote unity among churches and embody their faith by actively engaging in the struggles of the people for justice and dignity.
In his presidential address, WCC executive committee member Bishop Abraham Mar Paulos urged church leaders not to give in to the tactics of appeasement, allurement or coercion by those in power. He called on them to stand firm and speak up against injustice. The Bishop also expressed hope that justice would be delivered without further delay to the victims of the communal violence in Manipur.
Fr. Abby K. Joshua, General Secretary of the Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association, Archbishop Kuriakose Mar Severios, and others attended the meeting.
Published – February 14, 2025 06:30 pm IST