The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) held its 14th General Assembly on Monday morning, October 27th, at Sarang Church in Seoul, South Korea, bringing together hundreds of leaders from every continent under the theme “The Gospel for All by 2033.”
The gathering, to be held from October 27 to 31, marks one of the most important events in the global evangelical movement, bringing together representatives from nine regions and 161 national alliances representing more than 600 million evangelicals around the world.
WEA Executive Chairman Rev. Goodwill Shanna opened the rally with a call for evangelicals to renew unity and vision for 2033, the 2000th anniversary of Christ’s resurrection. “This gathering is more than just a conference,” Shanna said. “This is a family gathering, a time to pray together, reflect together, and reimagine how WEA can serve the global church in the years to come.”
Mr. Shana said the General Assembly was a historic moment for the Alliance, noting that it marked the transition to a new International Board and the handing of leadership to a new Secretary-General. He emphasized that the WEA’s strength lies not in its structure, but in the relationships it brings together churches and leaders around the world. “We are evangelicals united for global change,” he said. “Across nations and cultures, we come together to demonstrate the unity that Christ offers.”
First speech by Mr. Bottles Mansour, nominee for Secretary-General
Attorney-General Bottles Mansour, who will be nominated as Secretary-General and assume leadership of the WEA after the General Assembly closes, delivered his first address to the global electorate.
“It’s so moving to see our brothers and sisters around the world united in the blood of Christ,” Mansour said. He reflected on Psalm 133 and John 17, emphasizing the Bible’s call to unity. “Jesus prayed, ‘Let them be one, as we are one,'” he said. “Imagine the intimacy of that oneness, like Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We are called to live in such a bond.”
Mansour acknowledged the diversity of the world’s evangelical family, including different languages, cultures and traditions, but said these differences should strengthen the church, not divide it.
“We are diverse, but the walls of division have been torn down. We are one in Christ. Let us celebrate that in this conference and walk together to fulfill the mission God has given us,” he said.
Welcoming world leaders to Korea
On behalf of the Asian host region, Mr. Godfrey Yogaraja, President of the Asian Evangelical Alliance, welcomed the delegates and said the gathering was a milestone in global evangelical cooperation. “Asia, with its rich tradition and growth in evangelicalism, is privileged to host this General Conference,” he said. “We stand united in faith and vision to strengthen the Church, deepen fellowship, and spread the love of Christ throughout the world.”
He encouraged participants to use this opportunity to listen to the Holy Spirit and renew their common mission. “May our times be marked by spiritual renewal, mutual encouragement and stimulating dialogue to prepare for the challenges ahead,” Yogaraja said.
Pastor Lim Seok-soon, chairman of the Korean Gospel Fellowship, also gave greetings on behalf of the Korean church and expressed his gratitude to Saran Church and Yeouido Full Gospel Church for their cooperation in hosting the event.
“The Korean church is dedicated to serving this congregation because the blessings we have received from the Lord are so great that we want to share them with the world,” Im said. “May the heart of Jesus be renewed through this gathering and be passed on to all nations.”
Vision of “Gospel for All”
The General Conference theme, “The Gospel for All by 2033,” is rooted in Ephesians 2:13-18 and reflects WEA’s commitment to ensuring that all people have the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel within the next decade.
Throughout the week, participants will spend time in worship and prayer, listen to panel discussions, and participate in strategic dialogues aimed at strengthening cooperation between national and regional alliances, building unity in a polarized world, and advancing evangelism across cultures.
Founded in 1846, the World Evangelical Alliance serves as a global platform for cooperation among evangelical churches and organizations. Through alliances, networks, and committees, we work to strengthen the local church, promote religious freedom, and demonstrate the unity of the Body of Christ.
