Sophia Brotherhood member, Professor Andriy Smyrnov, participated in the in-person gathering of the Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity Reference Group, convened for the first time by the World Council of Churches (WCC) from March 13 to 18 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
At the invitation of the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka and in collaboration with the Christian Conference of Asia, this meeting marks a significant step in the group’s work, as participants move beyond virtual discussions to engage in deeper dialogue, strengthen mutual understanding, and determine future directions together.
On the first day, members of the reference group joined the Christian Conference of Asia’s International Consultation on the Geopolitical Reconfiguration of South Asia to learn more about the current situation in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
The two-day consultation brought together 40 participants from various fields, including geopolitical analysts, academics, journalists, representatives of faith-based organizations, and members of the WCC Pilgrimage Reference Group. Together, they explored how the evolving geopolitical landscape of the region impacts peace, justice, and human security.
South Asia remains one of the most dynamic and complex regions in the world, shaped by historical legacies, economic forces, military rivalries, and socio-political tensions. Violence, religious extremism, ethnic and religious divisions, economic inequality, and increasing environmental vulnerabilities further exacerbate the geopolitical challenges of the region.
The consultation also focused on the impact of these factors on human security in South Asia and examined the Church’s role in offering a prophetic witness and response to these challenges.
Additionally, staff members of the Sophia Brotherhood’s Department of Inter-Christian Relations held a working Zoom meeting with Peter Prove, Director of the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs of the World Council of Churches (WCC), to discuss the future format of their cooperation.
