WCC and CEC honor Bishop Petra Bosse-Huber, welcome Bishop Frank Kopania
The World Council of Churches (WCC) expressed gratitude for the ministry of Bishop Petra Bosse-Huber, who is retiring after more than a decade as bishop for foreign affairs of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), while warmly welcoming her successor, Bishop Frank Kopania.
In a letter addressed to the EKD leadership, WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay praised Bosse-Huber’s “legacy of leadership and presence,” highlighting her work as a member of the WCC central and executive committees. “Your voice, clear and compassionate, has echoed in global forums and quiet consultations alike – advocating for peace, justice, human dignity, and unity in Christ,” wrote Pillay.
Throughout her tenure, Bosse-Huber played a central role in strengthening ecumenical relationships worldwide. She was also instrumental in hosting the WCC 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany, in 2022, overcoming disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“You have been a bridge-builder, a listener, and a witness to the reconciling love of God in Christ,” Pillay affirmed, adding that her ministry embodied humility, humour, and calmness even in challenging circumstances.
The WCC general secretary also welcomed Bishop Frank Kopania as the new EKD bishop for foreign affairs. Pillay described him as a leader bringing “theological depth, political insight, pastoral wisdom, and a faithful heart” to the role.
The letter concludes with a call to continued prayer and commitment to justice, reconciliation, and unity across the global church.
Related: CEC congratulates Vice President Rev. Frank Kopania on his installation as EKD bishop
The Conference of European Churches (CEC) extends heartfelt congratulations to its Vice President, Rev. Frank Kopania, on his installation as Bishop of the Protestant Church in Germany (EKD). The festive service took place on 11 September in Hannover, also marking the farewell of outgoing Bishop Petra Bosse-Huber.
In his new role, Bishop Kopania will serve as Head of the Department for Ecumenism and Global Ministries and as Theological Vice President in the EKD Churchwide Office.
The installation service was attended by CEC President H.E. Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain (Ecumenical Patriarchate), CEC Vice President Rt Rev. Dr Dagmar Winter, and CEC General Secretary Rev. Frank Dieter Fischbach, who conveyed the prayers and greetings of the ecumenical fellowship in Europe.
Archbishop Nikitas said, “On behalf of the Conference of European Churches, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Bishop Frank Kopania. We have witnessed his leadership first-hand within CEC, where his dedication and service have been of great value.”
He went on to say, “As he begins this new ministry in the EKD, we pray that his work will be a blessing for the church in Germany and for the wider ecumenical fellowship, strengthening our common witness and journey toward peace and unity.”
CEC General Secretary Rev. Frank Dieter Fischbach added, “We rejoice with Bishop Kopania and assure him of our prayers as he takes up this important calling. His wisdom, theological depth, and pastoral commitment are evident.”
He continued, “His leadership will surely inspire and unite both the EKD and our European fellowship of churches. We look forward to continuing our close cooperation with the EKD and to working alongside him in building dialogue, reconciliation, and hope.”
Rev. Frank Kopania has served as Vice President of CEC since 2023, contributing to the organisation’s mission of fostering peace, dialogue and unity among churches in Europe.