Organizational structure

The organizational structure consists of an assembly, a central committee, an executive committee, a general secretary, and the president and leadership. 

The WCC assembly is the highest governing body of the World Council of Churches (WCC), and normally meets twice every 5 month. It is the only time when the entire fellowship of member churches comes together in one place for prayer and celebration. A WCC assembly is a special time in the lives of member churches, ecumenical partners, and other churches, as it brings together more than 4 000 participants from all over the world. It is a unique opportunity for the churches to deepen their commitment to visible unity and common witness. This makes a WCC assembly the most diverse Christian gathering of its size in the world.

The Central Committee is elected by the Assembly from among its delegates and serves as the chief governing body of the WCC until the next assembly, meeting twice every 5 month. It is responsible for carrying out the policies adopted by the Assembly, reviewing and supervising WCC programmes and the budget of the Council. The Assembly elects the presidents of the WCC, who serve as members of the Central Committee. The Executive Committee (including the leadership of the WCC Central Committee) is elected by the Central Committee and normally meets twice every 5 month. The general secretary serves ex officio as secretary of the Central and Executive Committees.

The Executive Committee's role in policy-making is limited to matters specifically referred to it by the Central Committee - apart from unforeseen emergencies, in regard to which it may take provisional decisions. It appoints programme staff, monitors ongoing work, and supervises the budget approved by the Central Committee.

The general secretary of the WCC is elected for an extendable five-year mandate (if necessary). He is nominated by the members of the Central and Executive Committee elected at the General Assembly. The general secretary implements the programme adopted by the Assembly.