The Central Committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC), the highest decision-making body of the WCC, convened by virtual conference, from February 9^th to the 16^th. Over 200 committee members and advisors joined the meeting. The plenary focused primarily on preparing for the 11^th WCC Assembly, which will take place in September of this year, in Karlsruhe, Germany, under the theme “Christ’s love moves the world to reconciliation and unity.”

The acting General Secretary expressed his clear commitment to move forward with the Assembly. “I would like to assure you the pandemic cannot keep us from having an Assembly. Churches in Germany and the government are doing their best to assure we have an Assembly.” Though different scenarios are being discussed—anywhere from 1,000 to 5,000 or more people will gather for the Assembly, depending on the situation related to COVID-19. The WCC 11th Assembly is needed more than ever, as stressed by the acting G.S.: “What is needed now more than ever is to confirm our interdependence, solidarity and work which comes from the theme of the assembly: love.”

The governing body also addressed business matters as it is responsible for carrying out the policies adopted by the Assembly, reviewing and supervising WCC programmes, and overseeing the budget of the Council. Two members of the central committee participated on behalf of the Holy See of Cilicia: V. Rev. Fr. Hrant Tahanian, Ecumenical Officer of the Catholicosate, and Prof. Teny Pirri-Simonian, Catholicosate’s Ecumenical Representative in Switzerland. Ms. Carla Khijoyan, continues her ecumenical service as head of WCC’s staff responsible for the Middle East.