“The theme the Love of Christ Compels Us is a remarkable testimony to our unity and shared purpose” WCC General Secretary to AACC 12th General Assembly

Rev Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC General Secretary was the Keynote speaker during the occasion of celebrating AACC’s 60th Anniversary and opening of the 12th General Assembly on 19th November 2023 at the National Christian Center, Abuja Nigeria.

Jerry noted that the synergy between the themes of Christ’s love moves the world to justice, reconciliation, and unity, from the WCC Assembly in Karlsruhe and the AACC’s theme, The Love of Christ Compels Us highlights the centrality of Christ’s love in our mission. Speaking to the Nigerian context in which the 12th General Assembly was taking place, Prof Jerry stressed that AACC’s work, with its focus on mediation, advocacy, humanitarian support, and peacemaking, is not just a flame of hope for Africa but also a testament to the transformative power of faith and unity in challenging times.

He mentioned six significant mega-trends of the dynamic global landscape amidst which the assembly took place. These were the Pursuit of Justice and Equity, Climate Crisis and Environmental Stewardship, Interreligious and Interfaith Dialogue, Youth Engagement and Empowerment, Migration and Displacement, and Digitalization and Technological Advancement.

He described the love of Christ as the source of compulsion, moving us to act, not for our own interests, but for the care of others which means radical transformation, identification with Christ and living for living for Others and a response to grace.

“As we mark this 60th anniversary, let us not only celebrate past achievements but also rekindle the fires of our collective resolve to bring about a world where justice flows like a mighty river and peace embraces all people.” He Said.

In his conclusion, Prof Pillay prayed that God may bless the General Assembly’s deliberations.