Jane Nyeche from St Paul's Athens: a steward at the WCC Central Committee

Photo credit: WCC
Jane Nyeche, a young adult member of St Paul's in Athens, Greece, recently served as a steward for a World Council of Churches Central Committee meeting, held at the Orthodox Academy, Kolympari, Crete, from 27 August to 6 September. The theme of the meeting was that which will be used at next year's General Assembly of the WCC, "Lord of love, lead us to justice and peace". It was an inspiring gathering, according to Jane, who was part of a team of 26 stewards, all between the ages of 18 and 30 who helped to staff the event. In the above photo, Jane is near the centre at the bottom of the picture.  

The participants were from many countries around the world, including both Koreas. As a steward, Jane attended all meetings and worked as a floor manager responsible for showing delegates to their seats and providing them with copies of documents and speeches. The team of stewards also participated in training seminars, Bible studies and social activities. Jane found the connection with other stewards fulfilling and enjoyable. 

The stewards were each given an ecumenical mission to take home and pursue. Jane selected climate justice, encompassing active work towards environmental care and protection. She plans to pass on these concerns, like re-cycling and reducing waste in the use of vital products and materials, to her Sunday School pupils and to the community around her. 

Jane was sad to bid farewell to so many new friends but she returned to Athens bursting with enthusiasm over her ‘wonderful experience’ and grateful to St Paul's for providing travelling expenses and a little pocket money. The cost of her attendance at the meeting itself was covered by the World Council of Churches. 

We in the diocese are very proud of Jane and are happy that one of our own young adults provide such key support to this global meeting of the WCC.

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