STRENGTHENING GLOBAL ALLIANCE: SWISS PROTESTANT CHURCH AID ORGANIZATION VISITS WC

On August 23, Karolina Frischkopf, CEO of HEKS/EPER, and Walter Schmid, Chairman of the HEKS/EPER Board of Trustees, met with World Council of Churches (WCC) General Secretary Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay. This meeting marked a significant moment in enhancing cooperation between the two Swiss-based organizations.

HEKS/EPER is the aid organization of the Protestant Church in Switzerland, focusing on social inclusion, equal opportunities, and legal support for asylum seekers and vulnerable communities. With six branch offices across Switzerland, HEKS/EPER manages over 60 projects in 16 cantons. Internationally, HEKS/EPER is involved in development cooperation, humanitarian aid, and church collaboration projects in more than 30 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe.

During the visit, Frischkopf and Schmid received updates on WCC’s program developments, including governance, specialized ministries, communication, and financial aspects. The warm welcome from WCC highlighted the strong synergy in pursuing a shared vision of a peaceful and just world.

Frischkopf emphasized, “The faith-based values we share form a crucial foundation in achieving our common goal of creating a world of peace and dignity. We deeply appreciate WCC’s role in uniting the global community in the spirit of togetherness.”

Schmid added that WCC’s work is vital in maintaining church unity in an increasingly polarized world. HEKS/EPER is committed to continuing its support for WCC’s initiatives, particularly in addressing global challenges such as climate crises and water justice.

Rev. Jerry Pillay expressed his gratitude for the close collaboration between HEKS/EPER and WCC. “This partnership has brought tangible change and hope for future generations and all of God’s creation,” Pillay said.

The visit reinforced the relationship between the two organizations and opened new opportunities to advance their humanitarian and social justice missions on a global scale.