CCA expresses deep sorrow over deadly earthquake in the Philippines

Programme Review and Programme Direction

Two key deliberative sessions during the 15th CCA General Assembly are the Programme Review and Programme Direction sessions.

The Programme Review and Programme Direction sessions will both be conducted in three groups relating to the CCA’s programme areas, namely, (i) General Secretariat (GS), (ii) Mission in Unity and Contextual Theology (MU) and Ecumenical Leadership Formation and Spirituality (EF); and (iii) Building Peace and Moving Beyond Conflicts (BP) and Prophetic Diakonia (PD).

Assembly participants will have the option to join one of three groups for both the Programme Review and Programme Direction sessions. For the sake of coherence, the assigned group will remain the same for both sessions.

General Secretariat

The General Secretariat oversees the coordination of programmatic, administrative, and financial activities of the organization. The GS comprises various departments such as church and ecumenical relations, relations with ecumenical partners, finance, administration, and communications, which provide crucial support and services for the implementation of programs and contribute to the overall functioning of the CCA.

Programmes: Relations with member churches and councils, ecumenical partners; advocacy at the United Nations; ecumenical responses to emerging issues in solidarity; income development and finance; and communications.

Mission in Unity and Contextual Theology (MU) and Ecumenical Leadership Formation and Spirituality (EF)

Under the MU programme area, the CCA accompanies Asian churches to strengthen their mission and witness in multi-religious contexts, revitalise and nurture church unity and the Asian ecumenical movement, and develop contextual theological foundations.

Programmes: Asian Movement for Christian Unity (AMCU); Congress of Asian Theologians (CATS); Asian women doing theology in the context of wider ecumenism; contextualisation of theology in Asia and ecumenical theological education.

The EF programme area focuses on nurturing and developing ecumenical leaders in Asia. The programme aims to enhance spiritual formation and theological understanding, enabling people to actively engage in ecumenical dialogue and collaboration.

Programmes: Ecumenical Enablers’ Training in Asia (EETA); Asian Ecumenical Institute (AEI); Youth and Women Leadership Development; Ecumenical Spirituality and Nurturing of Contextual Liturgical Traditions; Asia Sunday

Building Peace and Moving Beyond Conflicts (BP) and Prophetic Diakonia and Advocacy (PD)

The BP programme area is dedicated to promoting peace, justice, and reconciliation in Asia’s diverse contexts. Through training, advocacy, and dialogue, the programme addresses the root causes of conflicts, empowers communities, and fosters sustainable peacebuilding initiatives.

Programmes: Pastoral Solidarity Visits; Churches in Action for Moving Beyond Conflict and Resolution; Young Ambassadors of Peace in Asia (YAPA); Ecumenical Women’s Action Against Violence (EWAAV); Eco-Justice for Sustainable Peace in the Oikos.

The PD programme area focuses on promoting justice, human rights, and social transformation in Asia. Through advocacy, capacity-building, and raising awareness, the programme addresses systemic injustice, empowers marginalised communities, and advocates for prophetic actions and meaningful change.

Programmes: Human Rights advocacy; Migration, Statelessness, and Trafficking in Persons; Asian Ecumenical Disability Advocacy Network; Asian Advocacy Network on the Dignity and Rights of Children (AANDRoC); Ecumenical Solidarity Accompaniment and Diakonia in Asia (ESADA); Health and Healing; Good Governance; Action Together to Combat HIV and AIDS in Asia (ATCHAA).

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03 October 2025

Photo credits: Aldo Banaynal/TheFreemanNews

Chiang Mai, Thailand: The Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the people of the Philippines following the devastating 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck the coast of the central Philippines on 30 September 2025.

The powerful earthquake, centred between Cebu and Leyte, caused widespread destruction during the night when communities were most vulnerable. At least 72 people have lost their lives, more than 300 are injured, and several thousands have been affected. Many remain displaced, with some too fearful to return home because of ongoing aftershocks and trauma.

In a statement released on 3 October 2025, CCA General Secretary Dr Mathews George Chunakara said, “CCA joins in mourning the lives lost and prays for God’s comforting presence with the bereaved families, healing for the injured, and strength for those engaged in rescue and relief efforts. We express sympathy and solidarity with the people of Cebu and surrounding communities as they face the painful aftermath of this tragedy.”

Dr Chunakara urged CCA member churches, councils, and partners across Asia to uphold the affected communities in prayer, to accompany them with pastoral care, and to mobilise financial and human resources to extend humanitarian aid and support to survivors.

More than 340 aftershocks have been recorded since the initial quake, ranging up to magnitude 4.8, and authorities warn that tremors may continue in the coming days.

The Philippines, located along the Pacific’s “Ring of Fire,” is highly prone to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and typhoons, making communities especially vulnerable to recurring natural disasters.

The full text of the CCA General Secretary's statement can be found here: