Global Evangelical Alliance Launches Leadership Search
The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), representing 600 million evangelicals worldwide, is searching for a new secretary general. The international council aims to unify global evangelical voices around the gospel while addressing longstanding internal tensions. The new leader will be announced at the WEA General Assembly this October.
Leadership Gap and Delay Raise Structural Questions
The leadership search follows the resignation of former secretary general Thomas Schirrmacher, who stepped down for health reasons. His tenure was marked by controversy over interfaith engagement, particularly with the Catholic Church. An initial six-month timeline to appoint a new leader was abandoned, as WEA officials opted for a broader review of its structure and mission.
Discontent Emerges Among Key Evangelical Groups
Tensions have risen ahead of the October assembly. More than 1,000 leaders from Korea’s largest Presbyterian denomination, Hapdong, refused to attend, citing theological misalignment. A published letter argued the WEA had drifted from reformed evangelical doctrine by cooperating with mainline Protestants and Catholics on social issues.
The Christian Council of Korea (CCK) also expressed concerns. Its former president called for postponing the assembly until theological standards were clarified. The current president took a harsher tone, accusing the WEA of promoting a false gospel and calling for an investigation into its actions.
European Evangelicals Reject Catholic Collaboration
Evangelical alliances in Spain and Italy criticized the WEA for its perceived closeness to Catholicism. The backlash followed a meeting between Schirrmacher and Pope Francis, which some groups saw as a betrayal of evangelical identity. These tensions echo previous protests in 2013 and 2018 over similar concerns.
A Call for Unity and Organizational Reform
Despite criticism, WEA leaders stress the importance of unity and global cooperation. Deputy Secretary Eirong Lin emphasized the need for a leader who can reflect a diverse understanding of the gospel. The incoming secretary-general will also be tasked with modernizing the alliance to function effectively in the digital age.
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World Evangelical Alliance Seeks New Leader Who Can Bring Unity
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