The World Council of Churches (WCC) held consultations with a delegation from the Russian Orthodox Church, led by Metropolitan Anthony, chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations.

The meeting with WCC General Secretary Jerry Pillay took place on September 15 as part of consultations focused on dialogue, peacemaking and reflection on the WCC’s call for a just peace, adopted 15 years ago.

According to materials published by the WCC, participants discussed a broad range of issues, including war and peace, religious freedom, relations between churches, nuclear weapons and the role of churches amid contemporary conflicts. The meeting was described as an open exchange of views.

“We need more such conversations, not less,” Pillay said following the meeting. He emphasized the need for churches to work together against violence and injustice, adding that dialogue is essential to developing a common witness.

Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, moderator of the WCC Central Committee, also participated in the discussions remotely.

Pillay reaffirmed the WCC’s readiness to serve as a mediator and facilitate dialogue amid ongoing international conflicts and disagreements.