DPCU Observer at the 26th Pentecostal World Conference

17 Oct 2022


From 12-14 October, Monsignor Usma, Head of the Western Section of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, attended the 26th Pentecostal World Conference (PWC) as an official fraternal observer. The Conference, on the topic “A Revival for the Next Generation” took place at the premises of the Yoido Full Gospel Church, Seoul, Korea. Both co-hosts of the event, Revd Dr William Wilson, Chair of the Pentecostal World Fellowship (PWF), and Revd Dr Younghoon Lee, Senior Pastor of the Yoido Full Gospel Church, warmly welcomed the Catholic observer, who was invited to convey greetings on behalf of the DPCU at the opening banquet.

Participants from many countries attended the Conference, whose program comprised teaching, preaching, intercession sessions led by renowned Christian leaders from around the world. It also offered a wide variety of workshops on specific topics related to Pentecostal ministry in the world, as well as a DMZ Prayer Crusade for Peace in the Korean Peninsula and Revival in the Next Generation. The so-called “Z generation” was at the center of interest during the meeting. The PWF adopted a resolution encouraging its members to accomplish the Great Commission by this generation, by making every effort to contact every unreached person and to declare: “We are convinced that the next ten years will be the greatest decade of fulfilling the mandate of Jesus as together by the Holy Spirit, we proclaim the “Good News” and establish new churches.”

Concerning mission a specific resolution was approved by the PWF, with a ten-year program launched in preparation for the 2000th anniversary of the resurrection in 2033. During the meeting the PWF Ambassadors’ program to the Nations was also inaugurated. As well, the New Advisory Committee 2022-2025 was elected comprising 15 leaders from different denominations.

The PWF is formed by a group of Pentecostals from all around the world, dating back to the conference for Pentecostal leaders in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1947. Worldwide Pentecostal leaders and “Spirit-filled” preachers and ministers are convoked every three years for the Pentecostal World Conference (name adopted since 1961). The main purpose of the PWF is “to unite and mobilize the global Spirit-filled family in completing the Great Commission of Jesus Christ” (Mission Statement). At present 76 different Pentecostal churches from 47 nations are members of the PWF. which has commissions on education, world missions, Christian unity, Empowered21 and religious liberty. Monsignor Usma was one of the panelists at the workshop on Christian unity entitled: “Global Christian Forum: Who is missing at the table?”

The next PWC will be held in Helsinki (2025) and Melbourne (2028).