Rev. Dr. Philip Potter at the WCC Central Committee meeting in Geneva, Switzerland February, 1966. (Photo Courtesy WCC)
This week, the Christian world mourned the loss of a true ecumenical leader, Rev. Dr. Philip Potter. Dr. Potter was the third General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, and a native of Dominca, West Indies. Dr. Potter passed away on 31 March at the age of 93 in Lübeck, Germany.
We give thanks to God for the life and witness of Philip Potter who was a man inspired and who inspired. This global ecumenical leader and son of the Methodist Movement left an indelible mark on the lives of many across the world. As General Secretary of the WCC he assumed the role of activist, theologian, prophet and statesman and was honoured with many awards. His efforts to fund liberation struggles in Africa caused much controversy amongst the member churches of the WCC. In 2008 he received the Oliver Tambo Award for his contribution towards ending apartheid in South Africa.
The World Council of Churches issued a tribute to Dr. Potter earlier this week.
