World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay spoke at a Global Refugee Forum Progress Review 2025 plenary session in December, noting that, when faith communities unite, hope is transformed into action.
“In line with the mission of the World Council of Churches—to speak and act together on matters of faith and social justice—we reaffirm our shared commitment to be agents of hope: to protect those forced to flee, particularly those rendered invisible by the crises of our time,” said Pillay. “What does it mean to bring hope to the most vulnerable: stateless persons, children, and women with disabilities caught in situations of conflict or disaster, stripped of identity, protection, and dignity?"
Financial Partnership Established for Shared Mission
Pillay described how the WCC and UN Refugee Agency will work to establish a financial consortium— called the Multi-Religious Fund for Protection and Ending Statelessness—for philanthropic and in-kind contributions, appealing jointly in a spirit of solidarity and shared responsibility.”
“We are not starting from zero,” he said. “We already have a powerful example of what is possible.“
The United Methodist Committee on Relief has contributed of USD 100,000 to support refugee participation in the 2027 Global Refugee Forum.
“This demonstrates what faith communities can achieve when they act together,” said Pillay. “Today, we invite others to join us in this shared mission—so that faith may continue to be a force not only of hope, but of tangible protection, justice, and lasting change.”
Pillay, in a Special Ceremony of Global Alliance, then signed a Letter of Intent with the UN Refugee Agency to deepen collaboration, particularly related to stateless people.
Agreement Protects World’s Most Vunerable
The formal agreement, in the preamble, notes that the UN Refugee Agency and the WCC “share a deep commitment to upholding human dignity, promoting peace, and protecting the world’s most vulnerable populations.”
Both organizations recognize the urgent need to revitalize efforts for stateless people, whose rights and access to protection have deteriorated amidst significant global funding constraints.
The Letter of Intent establishes the mutual commitment of the UN Refugee Agency and WCC to raise global awareness of statelessness and its human impact; strengthen advocacy for nationality rights, legal identity, and inclusive citizenship; mobilise resources, and encourage coordinated action.
“This collaboration will contribute to a wider joint process aimed at developing a multi-year fundraising and advocacy platform, as discussed by leadership of both organisations,” reads the letter. “By connecting humanitarian action with the moral authority, global reach, and advocacy power of faith communities, both organisations commit to advancing a world where every person belongs—and no one is left without a nationality.
How Can You Help?
Your support of the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund apportionment allows our ecumenical partners around the world to speak out against atrocities such as war and poverty for those who don’t have a voice. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund apportionment at 100 percent.
World Council of Churches website
This story shows the impact of the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund—one of seven apportionment funds of The United Methodist Church—to foster unity and shared witness among Christians worldwide. Through this fund, the Church participates in ecumenical partnerships, interfaith dialogues, and collaborative ministries that extend the reach of the Gospel. Together, we model Christ’s prayer that all may be one.
When your church supports the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund, you help The United Methodist Church build bridges of faith and partnership across the global Church.
