WCC general secretary greetings to the Ecumenical International Youth Day 2026

WCC general secretary greetings to the Ecumenical International Youth Day 2026

msc

Wed, 08/12/2026 - 20:10

Dear young people, sisters and brothers in Christ,

Greetings to you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ as you gather to celebrate the 2026 Ecumenical International Youth Day under the theme, “Creating Healing Spaces: R.E.S.T. – Restore, Empower, Strengthen, Thrive.” Our theme speaks deeply to the realities facing young people today.

Across the world, many experience the effects of conflict, violence, discrimination, economic hardship, mental health struggles, climate anxiety, and uncertainty about the future. Yet young people also show remarkable courage, resilience, compassion, and hope. You are building communities of care, working for peace, protecting creation, advocating for justice, and standing alongside those who are vulnerable.

Our ecumenical theme for international youth day provides an important framework. Restore calls us to repair what has been broken—relationships, communities, trust, dignity, and our relationship with creation. Empower challenges us to give young people genuine opportunities to speak, lead, and shape the life…