Commemoration marks 80 years of WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs

Commemoration marks 80 years of WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs

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Mon, 10/05/2026 - 18:36

A commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission of the Churches on International Affairs (CCIA) was held 4 October in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

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80th anniversary of the WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs was marked during the Joint Conference of WCC Commissions and Reference Groups on Life, Justice and Peace held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from 4 - 10 October 2026.

Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC

Those gathered reflected on the history of the CCIA as well as its ongoing role amid today ’ s global challenges.

Dr Mathews George Chunakara, CCIA moderator, noted that, in Asian culture, an 80th anniversary holds profound significance. “ In certain Asian cultures, this blends the lucky associations of the number eight with deep cultural reverence for longevity and for reflecting on major historical milestones,” he said, before offering a brief history of the commission.

“ The Commission of the Churches on International Affairs is WCC ’ s primary…