WCC NEWS: WCC receives honor from Geneva Engage for global social media outreach

The World Council of Churches (WCC) has a second place award from Geneva Engage for online engagement with the world via social media. WCC communication team members Gloria Koymans, Rhoda Mphande and WCC director of communication Marianne Ejdersten receives the Geneva Engage Award for the successful social media outreach in 2023.  Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC 01 February 2024 The WCC received the honor in the category of a non-governmental organization in international Geneva during a ceremony on 1 February for its innovative, effective social media outreach and engagement.  Geneva Engage examines Geneva’s global footprint by looking at the social media engagement of Geneva-based organisations. Ultimately, Geneva Engage examines the links between International Geneva and communities from around the world that are affected by the policies discussed and negotiated in Geneva. WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed great joy about the award. “Communication is vital for our global network of churches to be a source of justice, reconciliation, and unity in a deeply divided world,” he said. “The WCC is rooted in local churches all over the world who are moving together toward a world in which we live with respect for each other and for our planet.” During 2023, WCC communication involved prophetic storytelling and growing channels to highlight justice, reconciliation, and unity across the world. During 2023, the WCC website attracted 1.5 million visitors worldwide. In 2023, WCC social media channels saw an increase in their online audience, with the total number of fans and followers across all channels rising from 93,000 in 2022 to 97,000 in 2023. Instagram showed the most growth, adding 2,000 new followers due to the several campaigns and dedicated material published on the channel. The WCC general secretary said, “I express my sincere congratulations and thanks to the WCC Communications Team for receiving this award again this year. It is heartening to note that your excellent and outstanding work is being observed and rewarded in Geneva with this award. My thanks also to Geneva Engage for this award.” Learn more about the Geneva Engage Awards See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland