Ecumenical Delegation To Visit Cuba As Humanitarian Crisis Deepens​

A high-level international ecumenical delegation initiated by the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) will be in Havana, Cuba, from 28 to 31 March, on a solidarity visit aimed at responding to the island’s deepening humanitarian crisis and growing global concern over the impact of economic sanctions on its people.

The visit comes as ecumenical organizations increasingly warn of the humanitarian consequences of long-standing sanctions and newly intensified restrictions affecting fuel supplies to Cuba. The United Nations recently announced the need for a revised plan of action on March 24, 2026, that addresses the “cascading effect on essential services such as health care, education, sanitation and the availability of food and water” and the “constraints on humanitarian operations.” 

The United Nations heard from its representative in Havana on March 26 that dwindling energy reserves were creating “acute humanitarian risks,” as 90% of essential services in the nation rely on oil. This includes 5 million people living with chronic illnesses whose treatments are at risk of disruption and 1 million people who rely on tanker trucks for drinking water.

The delegation consists of the WCRC general secretary, Rev. Philip Vinod Peacock; Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, general secretary of the World Council of Churches; Jihyun Oh, stated clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and executive director of Presbyterian Life & Witness; Rev. Jimmie R. Hawkins, director of advocacy in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.); Rt. Rev. Anthony Poggo, secretary-general of the Anglican Communion; Rev. Michael Blair, general secretary of the United Church of Canada; and Rev. Dr. Reynaldo Ferreira Leao Neto, general secretary of the World Methodist Council.

During the visit, the delegation will meet with Cuban churches and ecumenical leaders, government officials and local communities, focusing on the humanitarian situation, the role of churches in accompanying vulnerable communities, and the need for policies that prioritize human dignity.

The program also includes a visit to the National Institute of Oncology in Havana and participation in ecumenical gatherings and Palm Sunday worship services across the city.

Read More From the WCC

The 106th Archbishop of Canterbury Installed ​

The 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, was formally installed on March 25, 2026.

World Methodist Council General Secretary Reynaldo Ferreira Leão Neto attended the installation of Sister Archbishop Sarah Mullally at Canterbury Cathedral, marking a significant moment in the life of the global Christian community. The installation of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury represents both a continuation of a centuries-old tradition and a new chapter for the Church of England as it navigates the opportunities and challenges of ministry in the twenty-first century.

Archbishop Mullally’s installation is historic, as she becomes the first woman to hold the office in the Church of England’s 1,400-year history. Her appointment reflects the evolving leadership landscape within many Christian traditions and highlights the growing contributions of women serving in positions of influence and responsibility throughout the worldwide church. Leaders and representatives from across the Anglican Communion and ecumenical partners gathered to witness this landmark occasion.

Key Details of the Event

  • Location: The historic service took place at Canterbury Cathedral.
  • Historical Significance: Archbishop Mullally made history as the first woman to hold the office in its 1,400-year history.
  • The Date’s Symbolism: The installation was intentionally scheduled on the Feast of the Annunciation.
  • Distinction of Dates: While her installation occurred on March 25, she legally assumed the title and constitutional authority earlier on January 28, 2026, during her Confirmation of Election at St. Paul’s Cathedral. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

The World Methodist Council extends its congratulations to Archbishop Mullally and the Church of England during this important transition. As Methodists and Anglicans continue a long history of partnership in mission, dialogue, and service, we look forward to opportunities for continued collaboration in addressing the needs of communities around the world and advancing shared commitments to justice, peace, and human dignity.

World Methodist Countil Anglican-Methodist International Coordinating Committee (AMICC)

The Anglican-Methodist International Coordinating Committee (AMICC) held its first meeting, 23-
28 February 2026, in London, hosted by the World Methodist Council.

AMICC is the successor body to the Anglican-Methodist International Commission for Unity and
Mission, which was a theological dialogue between the Anglican Communion and the World
Methodist Council. AMICC’s mandate has several parts: 1. To monitor and advise upon the
development of Anglican–Methodist relations around the world, giving attention to their
consistency with each other and with the self-understanding of the two Communions; 2. To act
as a catalyst for the development of Methodist and Anglican relations, and in particular for
agreements of communion where these do not yet exist; 3. To encourage the growth of joint life
and mission, especially where there are established agreements; 4. To arrange theological
consultation as appropriate; 5. To reflect on the responses to its last report, Into all the World; 6.
To report regularly to the two Communions. The Committee plans to report in 2029 to
the World Methodist Conference and the Anglican Consultative Council.

AMICC’s first task is to map where Anglicans and Methodists have intentional partnerships
around the world. In particular, AMICC is studying formal theological dialogues, covenant
partnerships, and agreements of full communion between Anglican and Methodist churches.
AMICC is also collecting examples of joint theological education, social engagement, lay
ministries, and chaplaincies.

AMICC will do further theological work on regional and local understandings of the ministry of
oversight (episcopé), apostolicity, and calling/commissioning. This will include studying liturgies
of ordination and the study of the ministry of bishops. The Committee will also explore the
sacramental life of our churches and explore how baptism and the Eucharist are connected.
AMICC will also study Anglican and Methodist ecumenical commitments, connected to questions
regarding the nature and goal of communion.

AMICC will also undertake a comparison of Anglican and Methodist international dialogues with
the Catholic Church (ARCIC and MERCIC) and seek to draw out both encouragements and
challenges for our Communions.

The Committee visited places of historic and present importance during its meeting in London:
Methodist Central Hall, Westminster Abbey, and Lambeth Palace. AMICC will meet again in
February 2027.

Members of AMICC

Anglicans

  • The Rt Revd Dr Susan Bell, Co-Chair
  • Ms Eva Abel
  • The Revd Neil Vigers
  • Dr Christopher Wells, Co-Secretary
  • Anglican Church of Canada
  • Anglican Church of Kenya
  • The Church of England
  • Anglican Communion Office
  • Anglican Communion Office

Methodists

  • The Revd Dr Edgardo A. Colón-Emeric, Co-Chai
  • The Rt Revd Elswith Clare
  • The Revd Dr Martin Mujinga
  • The Rt Revd Paul Swaroop
  • The Revd Dr Janet Unsworth
  • United Methodist Church
  • Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas
  • Co-Secretary of the African Methodist Council
  • Church of North India
  • Methodist Church in Ireland
AMICC 2026 Communique finalDownload