The World Council of Churches (WCC) is an ecumenical fellowship of churches seeking unity, common witness, and Christian service. Founded in 1948, it now has 350 member churches representing more than 500 million Christians from Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, and other traditions in over 120 countries. Here is an overview of what the Bible says about the WCC:
Unity of the Church
The WCC’s vision of visible unity among churches aligns with Jesus’ prayer in John 17:20-23: “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”
Paul also appeals to the Corinthian church to “agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10). He later explains that “there is one body and one Spirit…one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all…” (Ephesians 4:4-6). The WCC’s work reflects the New Testament vision of unity among Christian churches, while respecting differences.
Common Witness
The WCC aims to give common witness through joint statements, collaborations, and actions that demonstrate Christian unity. Jesus said his followers would be known by their love and unity: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). And he prayed that the world would know God sent him through the church’s unity (John 17:23).
When conflict arose about requirements for Gentile believers, the Jerusalem Council maintained unity by drafting a letter clarifying their common position (Acts 15:1-35). As God’s people give loving, united witness, the world sees God’s love and believes. The WCC enables churches to give this witness together.
Christian Service
The WCC focuses on Christian service through programs addressing global issues like poverty, climate change, violence, human trafficking, and more. Its relief arm ACT Alliance provides humanitarian aid to those in crisis. This fulfills the many biblical exhortations to care for others.
Isaiah 58 tells God’s people to spend themselves on behalf of the hungry, afflicted, and needy. James 1:27 defines true religion as caring for widows and orphans. Jesus said loving God includes feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick and imprisoned (Matthew 25:31-46). The WCC’s service emphasis obeys Christ’s call to serve the least of these.
Cooperation, Not Control
The WCC does not control member churches but facilitates their cooperation. This aligns with New Testament leadership concepts of servant leadership (Matthew 20:25-28) and unity in diversity through the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4-31). The WCC has no binding doctrinal statements but allows diversity within shared Christian roots.
This cooperation also fits Paul’s image of the church as a body with many parts but one Spirit (Romans 12:4-8, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31). Each church contributes its unique gifts and perspectives, united by Christ. As an organization enabling cooperation, the WCC embraces New Testament church polity.
Challenges and Controversies
While the WCC’s goals align with biblical priorities, it faces challenges in execution. Critics claim the WCC neglects evangelism, adopts theological liberalism, prioritizes political agendas over spiritual ones, and does not represents all Christian viewpoints well.
The WCC must ensure the gospel remains central, guard against doctrinal compromise, consider how political stances affect unity and witness, and incorporate diverse Christian perspectives. It must also continue reforming itself according to biblical standards for the church.
Additionally, some question if an institutional body like the WCC is the best structure to facilitate unity and service. Does it help or hinder local churches’ mission? The WCC must constantly evaluate its role and relationship to member bodies.
Conclusion
The World Council of Churches aims to fulfill Jesus’ prayer for unity so the world will believe (John 17:20-23), continue the apostolic pattern of giving united witness (Acts 15:1-35), and live out biblical service (Isaiah 58, Matthew 25:31-46). It seeks to facilitate cooperation through servant leadership and unity in diversity.
However, the WCC faces ongoing challenges in keeping the gospel central, maintaining doctrinal soundness, considering how its stances impact unity and witness, incorporating diverse perspectives, and ensuring its institutional structure helps (not hinders) the local church’s mission. As the WCC continues reforming itself according to scripture, it has potential to powerfully advance Christ’s Kingdom on earth.