Ceremony to Celebrate WCC’s Effort in Combating Racism

The World Council of Churches (WCC) Programme to Combat Racism (PCR) has been given wide recognition by the worldwide ecumenical community. To celebrate its great contribution, a ceremony will be held on 27th September in the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva. The ceremony will also be used to honour the programme’s first director, Baldwin Sjollema.

Prominent leaders will be coming from many countries to attend the event. Participants are welcomed by the WCC General Secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia. Rev. Marilia Schüller, WCC/PCR programme executive will offer an opening prayer.

Panel interview with the former WCC General Secretary Rev. Dr Philip Potter; University of Cape Town Professor, prominent anti-apartheid activist Dr Francis Wilson; the former WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Emilio Castro as well as Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia will be led by PCR staff.

Long-time UK anti-apartheid activist and BBC commentator Dr Pauline Webb, who was the WCC Central Committee vice moderator during the years of PCR's struggle against apartheid, will be interviewed as well.

There are sessions playing video clips of some famous advocates of non-violence and radical justice such as Martin King Jr. and James Baldwin. Guest speakers will be invited to respond on them.

The WCC’s Programme to Combat Racism (PCR) was created in 1969 to define and carry out ecumenical policies and programmes that contribute to the liberation of the victims of racism. It focused its energy during the apartheid era on Southern Africa.