WCC general secretary commemorates 80th anniversary of the Canadian Council of Churches

Titled “What is giving life to the one ecumenical movement in Canada and globally?” the lecture expressed gratitude for the Canadian Council of Churches’ history of service and impact not only in Canada but in the world. 

“In my presentation today, I will evoke our broadest context in the world and in the churches, then zero in on the ecumenical contribution—of which you are a vital part,” said Pillay. “Finally, I will indicate some recent learnings that might also inform or inspire your own collaborations to inspire positive change in your own context.”

Pillay pointed out that it is God who gives life to the ecumenical movement. “The call of Jesus is that we may go and make disciples,” he said. “Today we live in difficult, even perilous, times, a time of crisis.”

Global trends are engendering incalculable human suffering, Pillay continued. “In the face of the climate crisis, we are increasingly turning to Indigenous Arctic wisdom,” he said. “This perspective provides alternative insights, spiritual resources, and concrete practices to mitigate, adapt, and build resilience.”

Pillay also noted that Arctic communities are severely threatened by climate change. “Their struggle reminds us of the urgent need to respect and protect the natural world as an integral part of our shared existence,” he said. “The Arctic region is vitally important to Canada for environmental, economic, political, and social reasons.”

The legacy of colonization continues to cast a shadow over these communities, Pillay said. 

“Indigenous communities, particularly the Inuit, have lived in the Arctic for millennia, carrying a profound cultural heritage and traditional knowledge integral to Canada’s identity,” he said. “Protecting Indigenous rights and promoting sustainable development in the Arctic remain top priorities.”

Unity is indispensable, Pillay continued. “As we address the various conflicts and crises in the world, it is important for churches to seek unity and to work together,” he said. “Apart from the fact that Jesus prayed for the unity of Christians so that the world may believe, global challenges warrant that we work together to heal, reconcile, and restore creation.”

The cry for freedom and justice is loud for many in the world today, Pillay noted. “God uses several instruments to reach and transform the world, including and especially the church,” he said. “Therefore, the church needs to hear and respond to this painful cry.”

Read the full address

Photo gallery

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