World Council of Churches

The World Council of Churches (WCC) is a global movement whose goal is Christian unity. Over 400 million Christians from more than 340 churches, denominations and church fellowships in over 100 countries and territories come together to form this diverse body. While most of the founding churches were European and North American, today the majority of member churches are found in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, the Middle East and the Pacific.

Through its membership in the WCC, the ELCA participates in ministry and mission around the world. The movement provides a forum in which members help one another to grow and develop by sharing dialogue, work, worship, struggles and joys. The WCC US Office is located in New York City.

ELCA Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations cooperates with the WCC US Office in order to promote ecumenical formation in colleges, universities, and seminaries. Finally, the ELCA participates in the global effort of the Decade to Overcome Violence: Churches Seeking Reconciliation and Peace (2001-2010).