The theologian and academic Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay is the first South African to be elected to the position of general secretary to the World Council of Churches (WCC).

On 17 June 2022 he became only the second African to be chosen to lead this fellowship of 352 churches representing over 580 million Christians from more than 120 countries worldwide. The WCC has in its fold most of the world’s Orthodox churches, scores of Anglican, Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist and Reformed churches (including the Dutch Reformed Church), as well as many United and Independent churches.

President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulated Pillay on Twitter saying the country is proud of his achievement and wished him well “as he assumes this position at a time the world is in need of spiritual and ethical sustenance and guidance”.

Pillay is currently dean of the Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Pretoria. When he takes up his new position on 1 January 2023 he will be the ninth general secretary (chief executive officer in effect) in the 74 year history of this fellowship.

“Our task as the WCC is not only to work towards visible Christian unity but to also uphold and champion the call for justice and peace in the world,” he told the WCC Central Committee during his address. He said this includes a ministry that takes sides with the “poor, oppressed, abused and neglected in the world … including economic, gender and ecological justice in the world”.

Pillay is a member of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa.

In the two weeks since his election concerns have been raised in Jewish media about Pillay and his stance on Israel and Jewish communities. In a recent statement Pillay in his response accented his respect and support for the Jewish people to practice their religious beliefs and values but said he believes all religions must be respected. Consequently, as leader of the WCC he intends to uphold the current WCC policies on Israel, as was recently expressed in a public statement by the WCC central committee on 18 June that WCC reiterates a “constant call for an end to the occupation, and for equal human rights for all” in the Holy Land.

Pillay’s election comes just two months before the 11th Assembly of the WCC which will take place in Karlsruhe, Germany, from 31 August to 8 September 2022, under the theme ‘Christ’s love moves the world to reconciliation and unity’. The WCC Assembly is the only time the entire fellowship of member churches comes together in one place and is the highest governing body of the WCC.

Pillay will replace outgoing acting general secretary Rev Ioan Sauca.