The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) has announced on Monday the resignation of its general secretary, Thomas Schirrmacher.
In a statement released by the WEA, they expressed their awareness of Schirrmacher's struggles with health issues, particularly long Covid, which posed significant challenges given his substantial responsibilities as secretary general.
As a result of his resignation, the International Council has now opened an interim period – which will not exceed six months – to select a successor.
In the meantime, Goodwill Shana, the chair of the International Council, will assume the role of executive chair, overseeing the current team of two deputy secretaries general. This team is tasked with maintaining operational stability, continuity, and progress in the organisation's ongoing projects.
Schirrmacher's tenure at the WEA spanned three decades, during which he held various key roles, including chairman of its Theological Commission and associate secretary general for Theological Concerns.
Having assumed the position of secretary general in February 2021, succeeding Efraim Tendero, Schirrmacher played a pivotal role in advancing the WEA's mission across various domains.
Notable efforts include advocacy for persecuted Christians, engagement with global climate and economic issues, promotion of theological reflection initiatives, and active participation in ecumenical events, which have occasionally stirred controversy within the evangelical community.
