Global Church Leaders Unite Against Racism at Landmark German Conference

A powerful call for change echoed in Germany as church leaders strategized against systemic inequality. Could this be the turning point for global anti-racism efforts?

, and Administrator

2025 November 23 . 3:18 AM

1 min read

This is a meeting hall where we can see a group of people sitting on chairs and also two flags of... — This is a meeting hall where we can see a group of people sitting on chairs and also two flags of other countries and the desk which is in orange color and some water bottles and mike on the desk.

Global Church Leaders Unite Against Racism at Landmark German Conference

On May 15, 2023, the Rev. Jerry Pillay addressed an ecumenical conference in Germany. As general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), he spoke on anti-racism and combating discrimination. The event, known as KÖME, brought together church leaders and mission representatives for discussions on pressing social issues, including the main event of the day.

The conference gathered ecumenical officers from the EKD’s 20 regional churches. Attendees also included representatives from German Protestant mission and development agencies. Dr. Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, then-president of the WCC, chaired the Central Committee during the meeting.

The event underscored the WCC’s commitment to addressing systemic inequality. Pillay’s remarks reinforced the role of faith-based groups in promoting social justice. The conference concluded with a focus on practical steps for churches to implement anti-discrimination measures, highlighting the importance of events like these in the fight against discrimination.