CCA General Secretary extends greetings at 18th General Assembly of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI)
Toraja – South Sulawesi, Indonesia: The 18th General Assembly of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI), the largest national ecumenical council of 97 Christian churches in the country, began on the morning of 8 November 2024 in Rantepao, Toraja, Indonesia. Hosted by the Toraja Church, the grand opening was attended by over 12,000 Christians from Indonesia and beyond.
The theme of the quintennial Assembly is ‘Living as a Light Bearing Goodness, Justice and Truth: Towards a Pancasiliac Plural Society and at Peace with All of God’s Creation’.
On behalf of the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) General Secretary Dr Mathews George Chunakara, Rev. Jung Eun (Grace) Moon, Programme Coordinator of CCA, extended greetings and delivered the General Secretary’s message to delegates and participants from PGI’s 97 member churches, gathered at the Assembly from 8 to 14 November 2024.
In his message delivered in absentia, Dr Mathews George Chunakara expressed deep appreciation for PGI’s commitment to fostering harmony and unity within Indonesia’s diverse and pluralistic society.
The CCA General Secretary emphasised that the theme of the Assembly serves as a powerful call for Indonesian churches to uphold goodness, justice, and truth, while embodying the transformative light of Christ.
“This shift from darkness to light is not merely a change in behaviour but a profound transition toward embracing God’s will and purpose, rooted in a desire to reflect God’s goodness to the world,” stated the General Secretary.
Dr Chunakara also noted the Assembly’s focus on Pancasila—Indonesia’s foundational philosophical principles—as a significant guide for promoting unity, peace, and justice among people of diverse backgrounds, reflecting Indonesia’s multicultural fabric.
“From a Christian perspective, unity is essential for the effective and impactful witness of the Christian faith, transcending cultural, ethnic, confessional, and denominational barriers, and bringing the transformative power of the Gospel to diverse contexts,” he affirmed.
As an important partner in the Asian ecumenical journey, the CCA General Secretary expressed sincere gratitude for PGI’s longstanding support, commitment, solidarity, and willingness to nurture the Asian ecumenical movement ever since CCA’s inception in 1957.
The 18th General Assembly of the PGI marks an important milestone in the Indonesian churches' journey toward greater unity and collaboration, symbolising a renewed commitment to living out the Gospel in a spirit of mutual respect, integrity, and compassion.
The General Secretary of PGI, Rev. Jacklevyn F. Manuputty, stated that the theme and sub-theme will frame PGI’s journey for the next five years, translating into strategic directions for PGI’s programmes and activities, as well as inspiring its member churches.