World Communion of Reformed Churches celebrates 150 years of faith and fellowship

 

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CHIANG MAI, Thailand — With stirring music, spirited pageantry, and heartfelt preaching, the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) marked its 150th anniversary on Sunday in a worship service that was as moving as it was jubilant — a celebration that filled hearts, stirred memories, and brought smiles to every face.

WCRC 150th Anniversary Worship Service – Live

The service opened in grand style: a marching band and flag team paraded through the hall, embodying the 27th General Council’s theme, “Persevere in Your Witness.” From the very start, the worship radiated international flavor — four renditions of “Hallelujah” lifted the congregation’s spirit, each version reflecting a different part of the world: the Caribbean, an American Sunday school tune, Palestine, and Syria.

A trio of young adults led a “Remembering Our Story” litany, weaving in Psalm 89:15, reminding those gathered of the generations who had shaped the Communion’s long and faithful journey.

Voices from the past and present

In a stirring address, the Rev. Dr. Allan Boesak, who led the World Alliance of Reformed Churches from 1982 to 1990, reflected on how the faithfulness of God transforms fear into courage. “We can and will persevere,” he said, “not because we think we have all the answers, but because the faithfulness of God changes everything.”

Professor Jane Dempsey Douglas, president from 1990 to 1997, appeared via video, offering words of gratitude for decades of service and shared mission. “My engagement with Reformed churches challenged my teaching and enriched my life,” she said. “It was a privilege to work with remarkable colleagues from across the globe.”

From Indonesia, the Rev. Dr. Kadarmanto Hardjowasito, president of the Reformed Ecumenical Council (2000–2005), urged continued reform and renewal: “The world needs a Reformed witness that stands with the poor, cares for Creation, and speaks the truth in love. To God alone be the glory. Happy birthday!”

Current WCRC president, the Rev. Najla Kassab, spoke of a journey “woven with courage, prayer and reform.” She reminded the Communion that “the same Spirit who empowered our forebears calls us now to move forward, trusting that the one who began a good work among us will bring it to completion.”

Music that moved the soul

Among the musical highlights was a powerful Thai rendition of “How Great Thou Art,” brought to life by a massive local choir and thunderous drumming that rippled through the hall.

Drawing on Hebrews 12:1–2a, the Rev. Dr. Jerry Pillay, general secretary of the World Council of Churches, delivered a sermon titled “Let Us Persevere in Our Ecumenical Witness.” His message urged the faithful to hold fast to belief, even amid global crises.

“How do we keep faith,” he asked, “when thousands die in Palestine, Ukraine, Sudan, and beyond? When aid is denied to those who need it most?” His answer: through the “great cloud of witnesses” who remind believers that God will overcome. “We persevere in our ecumenical witness,” he said, “because deep in our hearts we know that despite our circumstances, God’s justice, peace, and love will prevail.”

A foot washing and a feast

One of the most touching moments came when The Rev. Dr. Setri Nyomi, WCRC’s interim general secretary, and the Rev. César García, general secretary of the Mennonite World Conference, washed each other’s feet — a powerful act of humility and reconciliation.

“We will not let fear or mistrust keep us from this calling,” said Nyomi. García added, “We pledge to learn from each other by sharing the richness and diversity of our traditions.”

Even the offering turned into a celebration. As the Zulu hymn “Hamba Nathi” filled the air, worshipers broke into spontaneous dance, bringing their gifts to the front with laughter and joy before dancing back to their seats.

The service concluded with one final act of fellowship: members of the Church of Christ in Thailand unveiled a feast, spread across the first floor of the Empress Hotel Convention Center. “What’s a family celebration without eating together?” Nyomi quipped, capturing the essence of the day — a community bound not just by faith, but by shared joy, gratitude, and love.

The Rev. Jihyun Oh, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and Executive Director of the Interim Unified Agency, is leading a PC(USA) delegation to the 27^th General Council of the World Communion of Reformed Churches meeting in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Read additional reporting here and here.