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The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary has extended “warmest congratulations” to Rev. Christopher Ferguson on his election and installation as the new general secretary of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC).
The WCRC, an ecumenical organization based in Hannover, Germany, represents Reformed, Congregational, Presbyterian, Waldensian, United and Uniting churches, most of them in the Global South, while working with a particular focus on issues of environmental, social and economic justice.
Ferguson, the WCC’s former representative to the United Nations in New York, a theologian and pastor in the United Church of Canada, was installed on Sunday 18 May as WCRC general secretary by Jerry Pillay, WCRC president, in a ceremony at the Reformed Church in Hannover.
“As a communion of churches deeply committed to justice, the long tradition of this ministry is well assured with the election of Rev. Chris Ferguson. His gospel commitment to social justice, economic justice and peace-building will surely be a hallmark of his leadership,” said WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit in a message that was read at the installation.
The member churches of the WCRC may be “encouraged at this time to be served by another general secretary with the gift of pastoral solidarity. One who will listen to, accompany and honour the experience of each member church,” Tveit said.
“Rev. Chris Ferguson has spent a lifetime of solidarity with people seeking justice and struggling for peace around the world,” Tveit added, acknowledging Ferguson’s long experience and engagement with the ecumenical movement.
Tveit went on to say that the WCC and the WCRC share a “common vision for unity and justice” and will continue collaborating together as part of the one ecumenical movement.
“The WCRC is at the edge of a new moment of renewal and transformation. It is exciting and uplifting to be called to be part of this renewed commitment to communion and justice,” said Ferguson.
Ferguson will take up his responsibilities later this year. He succeeds the outgoing WCRC general secretary, Rev. Dr Setri Nyomi of Ghana.
Read full text of the WCC general secretary’s congratulatory message
WCC general secretary’s message for WCRC’s outgoing general secretary
Ferguson elected general secretary (WCRC news release of 13 May 2014)
