Prof. Jerry Pillay, the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC) since January 1, 2023, was born in 1965 into a family of Indian origin with a long-standing presence in South Africa. He spent his formative years in South Africa, where he later pursued his academic journey.
Jerry Pillay holds an impressive academic background, having earned a Bachelor of Divinity (Honours) from the University of Durban-Westville in 1986. He furthered his studies with a Master of Arts in Missiology and Church History from the same university in 1988. Later, he obtained his Ph.D. in Church History and New Testament from the University of Cape Town in 2002, focusing on social development.
Throughout his career, Pillay has held significant positions in various Presbyterian churches and organizations. He served as a proposing pastor at McDonald Memorial Presbyterian Church in Amanzimtoti from 1987 to 1989. Subsequently, he held pastoral roles at Lotus Park Presbyterian Church in Durban, Bridgetown Presbyterian Church in Cape, and St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Benoni from 1998 to 2008.
His dedication to theological education led him to become the dean of the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the prestigious University of Pretoria, where he also serves as a professor of theology. His outstanding contributions in these roles have earned him respect within the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa.
With his rich background and experience in leadership, Jerry Pillay’s election as the General Secretary of the WCC in June 2022 marks a significant milestone in his journey of ecumenical service. His vision for the Church’s purpose and his commitment to standing with the marginalized reflect his deeply rooted values and passion for fostering justice, reconciliation, and unity on a global scale.
