Roland Fernandes is general secretary of the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries and UMCOR, Higher Education and Ministry. He reflects on cooperative work with the World Council of Churches (WCC), and why ecumenism is so necessary in today’s world.
The World Council of Churches is an ecumenical partner supported by the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund apportionment, which enables United Methodists to share a presence and a voice in the activities of several national and worldwide ecumenical organizations.
What inspired you to “second” staff to the WCC from the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries?
Fernandes: I believe the WCC provides an opportunity for us to work on a global level which is why we have been seconding staff for several years to the WCC. I am also enthusiastic about this shared opportunity, especially after speaking with Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC general secretary, about his vision and strategy for the future. I am excited about what the WCC can do, and supporting staffing is one way we are working together globally.
What are some other programmatic collaborations with WCC you envision?
Fernandes: I visited the WCC in August 2024, and it was very meaningful to get to know the staff. We are looking at programmatic support. We are increasing our support for the WCC Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel this year. We are increasing our support for Sudan and increasing some support related to the WCC Commission on Faith and Order as well.
Did your visit to the WCC change how you view the long history between your denomination and agency and the WCC?
Fernandes: When you meet in person, it’s always special. When I met with Jerry and Kenneth Mtata, WCC programme director for Life, Justice, and Peace, I definitely learned a lot about what WCC does a good bit of which I was not aware of. I do believe that the WCC has a platform to have a big impact due to its significant membership. I also valued meeting WCC director of Communication Marianne Ejdersten. I learned about the scope and potential of the WCC, and also its challenges.
Why do you think ecumenism is important as we address a hurting world?
Fernandes: It’s more necessary than ever, given the many global issues we are dealing with. Working together, working across denominations, working ecumenically—it’s time for that now more than ever.
What are you most excited about for 2025 as your agencies realize their missions of equipping and transforming people and places for God’s mission around the world?
Fernandes: I am looking at the energy of working together, to deal with what lies ahead. We may be challenged, so we should be working together to see how we focus or how we bring change. A lot of what happens in the world is cyclical. How do we stay focused and come from a place of strength through faith—and not anger? For me, as faith-based organizations, we have been called by God for a time such as this.
What gives you hope as you continue in your work, day after day?
Fernandes: It’s my faith and sense of call. I believe that I have been called to this work. It is not easy especially as I am now leading two agencies. When you look at history, I have the hope, as has been said many times before, that the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice. Every small effort counts; every small bit counts. How do we do the best we can? We have also been trusted by members of the church to do this work and we strive to uphold that trust.
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund enables United Methodists to share a presence and a voice in the activities of several national and worldwide ecumenical organizations. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund apportionment at 100 percent.
