Reformed Churches stress common commitment to justice

(Vatican Radio) Leaders of the World Communion of Reformed Churches met with Pope Francis on Friday stressing a new urgency for Christians to work together to bring unity and justice to a suffering world.

After their first papal audience in ten years, the delegation of Reformed Church leaders said this urgency for a common Christian witness is inspired by the forthcoming 500th anniversary of the Reformation and by the continuing economic and environmental crises which oppress and destroy human life.

Speaking at  a press conference following their meeting with the Pope, the President of the WCRC, Rev Jerry Pillay and Secretary General, Rev Chris Ferguson, shared perspectives on their priorities ahead of the next General Council to be held in Leipzig, Germany, in the summer of 2017.

These include working for greater communion, increased mission and ecumenical engagement, as well as a strong focus on economic, environmental and gender justice within the Church and within wider society. While not all Reformed Churches allow women in ministry, the WCRC has committed itself to full equality of women in leadership and says it hopes to engage others in dialogue around this critical issue.

To find out more, Philippa Hitchen spoke with President Jerry Pillay, professor of theology at the University of Pretoria in South Africa:

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