World Council of Churches pledges full support to govt for promoting peace, communal harmony

The World Council of Churches (WCC) has pledged its full support for Bangladesh's Interim Government and its efforts to promote peace, justice, and communal harmony.

"We are here to express our support and solidarity with your leadership," WCC General Secretary Reverend Dr Jerry Pillay said after paying a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Sunday.

"After two decades, this visit reflects our continued commitment to Bangladesh. Like you, we believe in unity, peace, and a just society—and we see your Interim Government working hard to achieve exactly that."

Chief Adviser Yunus welcomed the WCC delegation and thanked them for their show of support. 

"We are doing our best—there are always ups and downs, but we are determined," Yunus said, adding, "We need your support in the days ahead. And I hope you will visit Bangladesh again."

The World Council of Churches, a global fellowship of 352 member churches representing over 500 million Christians worldwide, has been an advocate for interfaith harmony. 

Reverend Pillay noted that the WCC shares Yunus's vision for a "3 Zero World", which includes zero net wealth concentration, zero unemployment, and zero carbon emissions.

"At the World Council of Churches, we actively promote the same three-zero principles. This is a natural alignment, and we're glad to walk alongside you on this path," he said.

Reverend Pillay also praised Bangladesh's leadership in climate adaptation efforts. The Bangladesh chapter of the World Council of Churches has opened a climate centre in Gazipur.

"Bangladesh has one of the most innovative and world-class engineers tackling climate challenges," he said.

Minister of Religious Affairs AFM Khalid Hasan was also present during the meeting. 

Reverend Pillay was joined by Dinesh Suna, Programme Executive of the World Council of Churches (WCC); Bishop Philip Adhikary, President of the Federation of Protestant Churches of Bangladesh (FPCB); Wing Commander Christopher Adhikary (Retd.), President of the National Council of Churches in Bangladesh (NCCB); and Reverend Dipok Das, General Secretary of the NCCB.