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Technological advances, changing communications media, social inequalities, ecological challenges...how can we keep the Gospel relevant in the midst of these upheavals?

Geneva, October 9, 2023. Barbara Allan, Head of the JC2033 Ambassadors Program, and Pastor Martin Hoegger, Head of Church Relations, met with Pastor Jerry Pillay, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, to present the JC2033 initiative. Here is the interview he gave them at the end of the meeting.

One of the values of JC2033 is unity. That's why we're linking up with other initiatives to celebrate the 2000th anniversary of the coming death and resurrection of Jesus. For the 2023-2033 decade, an ever-increasing number of movements have set out on their own.

What a great joy it was to bring together JC2033 friends in Switzerland for our annual meeting on September 2, 2023! It was a festive and inspiring meeting for the 120 people who came to the Palais de Beaulieu in Lausanne, the very place where the “Lausanne Movement" was launched almost 50 years ago.

On the way to Emmaus-Nicopolis. The third JC2033 walk on the road to Emmaus took place from 16 to 23 April 2023. 28 people aged between 20 and 75 took part, from Switzerland, Belgium, England and the Philippines. We were 8 Catholics, 8 Evangelicals and 12 Reformed.

On Pentecost 2023 in Jerusalem, Olivier Fleury represented JC2033 at a celebration with several international missionary and prayer movements. They affirmed the decade leading up to 2033, the 2000th anniversary of Jesus' Resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The 2000-year celebrations should be joyful, artistic and creative. Celebrating the beauty of Christ's Resurrection, in diversity, joy and gratitude will be attractive. How can we imagine the Jubilee of 2033 and the path leading to it? Several speakers answered this question. A celebration concluded the gathering where the "Decade of the Resurrection" was launched, and new ambassadors were sent out.

Witness is the second value of the JC2033 initiative. On the second day of the Gathering in Cartagena de Indias, it was deepened in many ways: songs in the city, drama, workshops, sharing of experiences and a round table.

The JC2033 gathering was a time of mutual discovery. For many, it was the first time they had met Christians from other churches. Here are some experiences and reflections on the theme of unity, which is one of the central values of JC2033.