… opportunities to speak, lead, and shape the life of our churches. Strengthen reminds us that healing happens through communities of accompaniment, support, and belonging. And Thrive reminds us that God desires not simply that we survive, but that we experience life in all its fullness.
As the World Council of Churches and as churches around the world, we must ask: how can we become spaces for healing? I believe it begins with listening—and listening must lead to action. Our churches should be places where young people know they belong, where difficult conversations can happen without judgement, and where those who are hurting find accompaniment and hope.
To the young people gathered today: you are not only recipients of healing. You are also agents of healing. Through your commitment to justice, peace, creation, and community, you are already creating healing spaces.
…
Dear young people, sisters and brothers in Christ,
Greetings to you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ as you gather to celebrate the 2026 Ecumenical International Youth Day under the theme, “Creating Healing Spaces: R.E.S.T. – Restore, Empower, Strengthen, Thrive.” Our theme speaks deeply to the realities facing young people today.
Across the world, many experience the effects of conflict, violence, discrimination, economic hardship, mental health struggles, climate anxiety, and uncertainty about the future. Yet young people also show remarkable courage, resilience, compassion, and hope. You are building communities of care, working for peace, protecting creation, advocating for justice, and standing alongside those who are vulnerable.
Our ecumenical theme for international youth day provides an important framework. Restore calls us to repair what has been broken—relationships, communities, trust, dignity, and our relationship with creation. Empower challenges us to give young people genuine opportunities to speak, lead, and shape the life of our churches. Strengthen reminds us that healing happens through communities of accompaniment, support, and belonging. And Thrive reminds us that God desires not simply that we survive, but that we experience life in all its fullness.
As the World Council of Churches and as churches around the world, we must ask: how can we become spaces for healing? I believe it begins with listening—and listening must lead to action. Our churches should be places where young people know they belong, where difficult conversations can happen without judgement, and where those who are hurting find accompaniment and hope.
To the young people gathered today: you are not only recipients of healing. You are also agents of healing. Through your commitment to justice, peace, creation, and community, you are already creating healing spaces.
Let us make this theme a commitment: to restore, empower, strengthen and create communities where all can thrive. May God bless you and guide us together on our pilgrimage of justice, reconciliation, and unity. I wish you a meaningful and blessed Ecumenical International Youth Day.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay
General Secretary
World Council of Churches