Youth reflect on “being church in the world today”
Youth reflect on “being church in the world today”
RMP
Thu, 10/22/2026 - 11:14
Young people presenting at the conference of World Council of Churches (WCC) commissions and reference groups held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, voiced their reflections on what it means to be church in the world today.
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Photo: Sean Hawkey
Arshav Jerjerian, with the Armenian Apostolic Church (Holy See of Cilicia), serves on the Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development. Jerjerian reflected that church is not only the place we go to pray, but also how we live our faith and respond to the needs of the world around us.
“ My experience in Chiang Mai, through the World Council of Churches, reminded me of the importance of coming together across different churches, traditions, and cultures,” said Jerjerian. “ Despite our differences, we share a common responsibility to serve people, work for justice, and care for God's creation.”
Jerjerian believes the church should give young people meaningful opportunities to participate, listen to their perspectives, and trust them with responsibility. “ At the same time, we must be…
