World Council of Churches (WCC)

The World Council of Churches (WCC) is an international church organisation founded in 1948 by non-Roman Catholics. Presently, it has membership of  the Anglican Communion, the Assyrian Church of the East, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Old Catholic Church, the Oriental Orthodox Churches, Protestant churches (like, the Lutheran, Mennonite, Methodist, Moravian and Reformed) and some evangelical Protestant churches (like, the Baptist and Pentecostal).

Currently, it works in the programme areas of Unity, Mission, and Ecumenical Relations, Public Witness and Diakonia, and Ecumenical Formation. All programmes share a responsibility for strengthening relationships with member churches and ecumenical partners, spiritual life, youth engagement, inter-religious dialogue and cooperation and building a just community of women and men.

Historical Background

The history behind the formation of the organisation lies during the student and lay movements of 19th century. Synod of Constantinople was the first who suggested that there should a “fellowship of churches” similar to the League of Nations in 1910.  And after 28 years, around 100 Churches given assent on the formation of World Council of Churches but due to World War II, it was founded in 1948.

Organisational Structure of World Council of Churches

• Assembly: It is the "supreme legislative body" of the WCC, and meets every eight years.

• Central Committee: It is elected by the Assembly through its delegates. It works on the policies adopted by the Assembly and renewing as well as supervising the programmes of Council. It has 20 members and is executive body of the council.

• Executive Committee: The Central Committee elects twenty of its members to serve the Executive. It appoints programme staff, monitors ongoing work and supervises the budget approved by the Central Committee.

• General Secretary: It serves as ex officio secretary of the Central as well as Executive Committees.