Participants in the WCC's Indigenous Peoples' Pre-Assembly gathered for an informal time of prayer on the first evening of their gathering. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (28 Aug. 2022)
Participants in the WCC's Indigenous Peoples' Pre-Assembly gathered for an informal time of prayer on the first evening of their gathering. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (28 Aug. 2022)
Participants in the WCC's Indigenous Peoples' Pre-Assembly gathered for an informal time of prayer on the first evening of their gathering. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (28 Aug. 2022)
Participants in the WCC's Indigenous Peoples' Pre-Assembly gathered for an informal time of prayer on the first evening of their gathering. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (28 Aug. 2022)
Participants in the WCC's Indigenous Peoples' Pre-Assembly gathered for an informal time of prayer on the first evening of their gathering. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (28 Aug. 2022)
Participants in the WCC's Indigenous Peoples' Pre-Assembly gathered for an informal time of prayer on the first evening of their gathering. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (28 Aug. 2022)
Participants in the WCC's Indigenous Peoples' Pre-Assembly gathered for an informal time of prayer on the first evening of their gathering. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (28 Aug. 2022)
Participants in the WCC's Indigenous Peoples' Pre-Assembly gathered for an informal time of prayer on the first evening of their gathering. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (28 Aug. 2022)
Participants in the WCC's Indigenous Peoples' Pre-Assembly gathered for an informal time of prayer on the first evening of their gathering. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (28 Aug. 2022)
A woman sings during a joint opening prayer for pre-assemblies to the WCC 11th Assembly. The 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches is held in Karlsruhe, Germany from 31 August to 8 September, under the theme 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (29 Aug. 2022)
The Rev. Mary Chipoka, a deaf pastor in the Reformed Church of Zimbabwe, participates in the Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network pre-assembly held on the eve of the World Council of Churches' 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe. The WCC Assembly takes place August 31 to September 8 under the theme 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/WCC (29 Aug. 2022)
Chebon Kernel of the United Methodist Church in Oklahoma speaks to the WCC Indigenous Peoples' Pre-Assembly. (30 Aug. 2022)
A panel speaks to the WCC Indigenous Peoples' Pre-Assembly at Karlsruhe, Germany. (30 Aug. 2022)
The opening press conference for the World Council of Churches 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany. Photo: Sean Hawkey/WCC (31 Aug. 2022)
WCC central committee moderator Dr Agnes Abuom WCC central committee moderator Dr Agnes Abuom delivers her report on opening day of the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, held in Karlsruhe, Germany from 31 August to 8 September, under the theme "Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity". Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (31 Aug. 2022)
WCC Acting General Secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca shares his report with the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, held in Karlsruhe, Germany from 31 August to 8 September, under the theme 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (31 Aug. 2022)
Karlsruhe, Germany: Pacific Islander dancers help lead opening prayer at the World Council of Churches' 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany. The assembly takes place August 31 to September 8 under the theme 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Mike DuBose/WCC (31 Aug. 2022)
The Rev. Dr. Ioan Sauca (right) introduces John X, Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, who gave the homily during the opening prayer service at the World Council of Churches' 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany. The assembly takes place August 31 to September 8 under the theme 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (31 Aug. 2022)
Delegates at the WCC Assembly in Karlsruhe signal their support of the draft agenda. The WCC functions using principles of consensus decision-making. Orange cards indicate consent, blue signals disagreement or that the proposal requires further work or discussion. The moderator invites delegates displaying a blue card to explain their concerns. Photo: Mike DuBose/WCC (31 Aug. 2022)
Prof. Anne Pattel-Gray, participant of the WCC Indigenous People’s Pre-Assembly. Photo: Sean Hawkey/WCC (31 Aug. 2022)
WCC central committee moderator Dr Agnes Abuom speaks at the opening plenary of the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, held in Karlsruhe, Germany from 31 August to 8 September, under the theme 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (31 Aug. 2022)
The opening press conference for the World Council of Churches 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany. Photo: Sean Hawkey/WCC (31 Aug. 2022)
Delegates and visitors gather for the opening day of the World Council of Churches' 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany. The assembly takes place August 31 to September 8 under the theme 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Mike DuBose/WCC (31 Aug. 2022)
German President Frank Walter Steinmeier addresses the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, meeting in Europe for the first time since 1968. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (31 Aug. 2022)
German President Frank Walter Steinmeier addresses the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, meeting in Europe for the first time since 1968. Photo: Sean Hawkey/WCC (31 Aug. 2022)
Video greetings to the 11th WCC assembly, by His Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, as part of the first thematic plenary of the Assembly, focusing on Care for Creation. The 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches is held in Karlsruhe, Germany from 31 August to 8 September, under the theme 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (1 Sept. 2022)
Cardinal Koch, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity (Roman Catholic Church) delivers greetings from Pope Francis of the Roman Catholic Church to the WCC 11th Assembly during its first thematic plenary, focused on Care for Creation. The 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches is held in Karlsruhe, Germany from 31 August to 8 September, under the theme 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (1 Sept. 2022)
Youth stewards organizing on the steps during lunch. Photo: Mike DuBose/WCC (1 Sept. 2022)
Moderator of the WCC central committee Dr Agnes Abuom (left) leads a dialogue session with Julia Rensberg (centre), a delegate of the Church of Sweden, representing the Sámi Council within the Church of Sweden and Rev. Bjorn Warde, a delegate of the Presbyterian Church of Trinidad and Tobago (right) during the first thematic plenary of the 11th WCC Assembly. The 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches is held in Karlsruhe, Germany from 31 August to 8 September, under the theme 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (1 Sept. 2022)
Ms Julia Rensberg, a delegate of the Church of Sweden representing the Sámi Council within the Swedish Church, speaking at the press conference on the topic. Photo: Gjermund Øystese/WCC (1 Sept. 2022)
WCC central committee moderator Dr Agnes Abuom recognizes future and past WCC general secretaries at the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, held in Karlsruhe, Germany from 31 August to 8 September, under the theme 'Christ’s Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity.' Seated behind Abuom, from left to right: Konrad Raiser, Raiser’s wife Elisabeth, Samuel Kobia, Olav Fykse Tveit, and general secretary-elect Jerry Pillay. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (1 Sept. 2022)
The choir sings during morning prayer at the World Council of Churches' 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany. The assembly takes place August 31 to September 8 under the theme 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Mike DuBose/WCC (1 Sept. 2022)
Participants in the Lutheran confessional meeting at the WCC 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany. Photo: A. Danielsson/LWF (1 Sept. 2022)
WF General Secretary Rev. Anne Burghardt addressing the Lutheran confessional meeting. Photo: A. Danielsson/LWF (1 Sept. 2022)
Prayer leaders dance during the morning prayer service at the World Council of Churches' 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany. The assembly takes place August 31 to September 8 under the theme 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Mike DuBose/WCC (2 Sept. 2022)
Activists demand attention to the climate crisis during a protest at the World Council of Churches' 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany. The Assembly's theme is 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/WCC (2 Sept. 2022)
H.E. Archbishop Yevstratiy of Chernihiv and Nizhiyn (Ukraine) speaks during a thematic plenary focused on Europe, at the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, held in Karlsruhe, Germany from 31 August to 8 September, under the theme 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (2 Sept. 2022)
Sunrays find their way into the room during a business plenary session at the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, held in Karlsruhe, Germany from 31 August to 8 September, under the theme 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (2 Sept. 2022)
H.E. Archbishop Yevstratiy of Chernihiv and Nizhyn, Deputy Head of the External Church Relations Department of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, spokesperson of the church and professor at the Kiev Theological Academy, at the press conference during the WCC 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany. Photo: Sean Hawkey/WCC (2 Sept. 2022)
Supporters of Ukraine demonstrate outside the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, held in Karlsruhe, Germany. The Assembly's theme is 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/WCC (2 Sept. 2022)
Activists demand attention to the climate crisis during a protest at the World Council of Churches' 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany. The Assembly's theme is 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/WCC (2 Sept. 2022)
A woman holds a Bible during the morning prayer service at the World Council of Churches' 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany. The Assembly's theme is 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/WCC (3 Sept. 2022)
Children enjoy play time in 'Domino World' at St. John's Church in Karlsruhe during the World Council of Churches' 11th Assembly. The assembly takes place August 31 to September 8 under the theme 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Mike DuBose/WCC (3 Sept. 2022)
Young people hold signs during the morning prayer service at the World Council of Churches' 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany. The Assembly's theme is 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/WCC (3 Sept. 2022)
Opening dramatic performance by participants in the Ecumenical Youth Gathering (youth pre-assembly), from a diversity of countries and church traditions, during a thematic plenary focused on ’Affirming the Wholeness of Life’, at the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, held in Karlsruhe, Germany from 31 August to 8 September, under the theme 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (5 Sept. 2022)
Press conference was given by Rudelmar Bueno de Faria, general secretary of ACT Alliance and a member the Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil and Ruth Mathen, delegate of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church at the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, held in Karlsruhe, Germany from 31 August to 8 September, under the theme 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Sean Hawkey/WCC (5 Sept. 2022)
Greetings by former general secretary Bishop Dr Olav Fykse Tveit to the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, held in Karlsruhe, Germany from 31 August to 8 September, under the theme 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (5 Sept. 2022)
Moment of prayer for the newly elected WCC presidents takes place at the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, held in Karlsruhe, Germany from 31 August to 8 September, under the theme 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (5 Sept. 2022)
Rabbi Dr David Fox Sandmel, Chair of the International Jewish Committee for Interreligious Consultations shares greetings to the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, held in Karlsruhe, Germany from 31 August to 8 September, under the theme 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (6 Sept. 2022)
Fadi El Halabi (in wheelchair) and Karen Abou Nader perform a dance of joy during a thematic plenary focused on ’Affirming Justice and Human Dignity’, at the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, held in Karlsruhe, Germany from 31 August to 8 September, under the theme 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity.' Fadi El Halabi is a psychotherapist and the regional coordinator for the Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network and an ambassador of joy and hope from Lebanon. Karen Abou Nader is an international dancer and choreographer, and an ambassador of joy and hope from Lebanon. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (6 Sept. 2022)
Addressing a press conference on 'Affirming Justic and Human Dignity' - Rev. Dr Henriette Hutabarat-Lebang of the Toraja Church (Indonesia), chair of the Advisory Board of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) and newly elected World Council of Churches president for the Asia region; Rev. Dr Karen Georgia Thompson, Delegate of the United Church of Christ; Rev. Dr Gordon Cowans, Regional Coordinator for WCC EDAN Caribbean. The press conference was held during the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches with the theme 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Sean Hawkey/WCC (6 Sept. 2022)
Assembly delegates vote to approve a list of new Central Committee members during a business plenary session at the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, held in Karlsruhe, Germany from 31 August to 8 September, under the theme 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (6 Sept. 2022)
Members of the choir sing during a service of Oriental Orthodox evening prayer at the World Council of Churches' 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany. The assembly takes place August 31 to September 8 under the theme 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Mike DuBose/WCC (6 Sept. 2022)
Assembly delegates gather for a business plenary session at the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, held in Karlsruhe, Germany from 31 August to 8 September, under the theme 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (6 Sept. 2022)
Assembly delegates vote to approve a list of new Central Committee members during a business plenary session at the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, held in Karlsruhe, Germany from 31 August to 8 September, under the theme 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (6 Sept. 2022)
Nicholas Jesson, editor of 'Ecumenism in Canada' spoke to the Swiss Protestant news service, Reformiert.info while in Karlsruhe, Germany for the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches. Photo: Christoph Knoch/Reformiert (6 Sept. 2022)
A panel of speakers for the thematic plenary on ’Christian Unity and the Churches’ Common Witness’ at the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, held in Karlsruhe, Germany from 31 August to 8 September, under the theme 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. L-R: Bran Friesen of the World Christian Student Federation; Bishop Brian Farrell, secretary of the Vatican's Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity; Metropolitan Job of Psidia, Ecumenical Patriarchate; plenary moderator Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, presiding bishop of the Evangelische Kirche in Bavaria; Canon Dr Rosemary Muthoni Mbogo of the Anglican Church of Kenya; Rev. Prof. Dr. Jooseop Keum from the Council on World Mission; and Lani Mireya Anaya Jiménez of the Methodist Church of Mexico. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (7 Sept. 2022)
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby addressed the WCC Assembly during the thematic plenary on Christian unity. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (7 Sept. 2022)
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby addressed the WCC Assembly during the thematic plenary on Christian unity. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (7 Sept. 2022)
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby addressed the WCC Assembly during the thematic plenary on Christian unity. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (7 Sept. 2022)
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby addressed the WCC Assembly during the thematic plenary on Christian unity. Photo: Sean Hawkey/WCC (7 Sept. 2022)
George Andoh participates in an afternoon prayer service at the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, held in Karlsruhe, Germany. This prayer service was sponsored by members of the Pentecostal community. The Assembly's theme is 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/WCC (7 Sept. 2022)
Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria was moderator of the WCC Assembly thematic plenary on Christian unity. On September 8, he was elected as Moderator of the WCC Central Committee for the period until the next Assembly. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (7 Sept. 2022)
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby addressed the WCC Assembly during the thematic plenary on Christian unity. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (7 Sept. 2022)
A press conference was addressed by Archbishop Justin Welby of the Church of England; Bishop Brian Farrell, secretary of the Vatican's Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity; Metropolitan Job of Psidia of the Ecumenical Patriarchate; and Rev. Prof. Dr Sandra Beardsall, member of the WCC Faith and Order Commission. Photo: Sean Hawkey/WCC (7 Sept. 2022)
Rev. Merlyn Hyde Riley from Jamaica Baptist Union elected as one of two vice moderators of the WCC central committee. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (7 Sept. 2022)
Archbishop Dr Vicken Aykazian, Armenian Apostolic Church, Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, elected as one of two vice moderators of the WCC central committee. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (7 Sept. 2022)
Closing business plenary at the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, held in Karlsruhe, Germany from 31 August to 8 September, under the theme 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (8 Sept. 2022)
Outgoing WCC central committee moderator Dr Agnes Abuom speaks at the closing press conference at the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, held in Karlsruhe, Germany from 31 August to 8 September, under the theme 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC (8 Sept. 2022)
Rev. Dr. Dorcas Gordon of the Presbyterian Church in Canada leads a workshop on the WCRC's Declaration of Faith on Women's Ordination during the WCC's 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany. (Sept. 2022)
The Rev. Dr. Jerry Pillay, a former president of the World Communion of Reformed Churches who will become the next WCC general secretary in January 2023, is blessed by leaders of the Reformed community during a confessional gathering at the 11th Assembly of the WCC, held in Karlsruhe, Germany. The Assembly's theme is 'Christ's Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity'. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/WCC (1 Sept. 2022)
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The WCC 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany, August 31-September 8
— Sept. 9, 20229 sept. 2022
The World Council of Churches held its 11th Assembly in the German city of Karlsruhe with the theme “Christ’s Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity.” Over 3,750 participants from all Christian traditions and almost every country around the world came together for 9 days of prayer, reflection, discussion, and decision. The following news articles trace the Assembly from the gatherings of the pre-Assembly to the final plenary and the gathering of the new Central Committee. The principle texts of the Assembly are also included further below.