At Great Church of Debrecen, WCC general secretary reflects on “Standing firm in faith, walking forward in hope”

At Great Church of Debrecen, WCC general secretary reflects on “Standing firm in faith, walking forward in hope”

msc

Wed, 09/30/2026 - 19:26

During a sermon at the Great Church of Debrecen, given on 27 September, World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay preached on “ The Church: Standing Firm in Faith, Walking Forward in Hope.”

Image

Pillay reflected that the Great Church of Debrecen is more than a beautiful building. “ These walls carry the memory of generations,” he said. “ They have heard prayers in times of joy and in times of sorrow.”

Debrecen occupies a special place in the history of the Reformed Church, observed Pillay. “ This city has been a centre of Reformed faith, theological reflection, education and Christian witness,” he said. “ When the world is confused — look to Jesus.”

Christian hope is grounded in the resurrection, noted Pillay. "Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ is with us. And Christ will come again,” he said. “ Therefore, death does not have the last word.”

God has the last word, Pillay emphasized. “ And God's last word is life. And God calls us to affirm…