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Young voices took centre stage at the 19th Anglican Consultative Council (ACC-19) during a panel discussion on peacebuilding featuring the Archbishop in Jerusalem, the Most Rev. Hosam Naoum.
The session, titled “A Living Legacy: Young Voices and the Work of Peace,” brought together youth representatives from across the Anglican Communion to reflect on the realities of conflict, the Church’s role in reconciliation, and the importance of empowering young people as active peacemakers.
Moderated by Anglican Communion Youth Network (ACYN) co-convenors Agnes Chiu Ki Lam of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui and Reginald Nikoi Robertson of Ghana’s Church of the Province of West Africa, the discussion explored how faith can inspire hope and reconciliation in communities affected by violence and unrest.
Drawing from his ministry in the Holy Land, Archbishop Hosam described reconciliation as both a Christian calling and a human longing. He stressed that the Church’s mission remains unchanged in times of war and peace, saying Christians are called to be agents of reconciliation in every circumstance. He also encouraged churches to share stories of both suffering and hope to deepen understanding and inspire solidarity across the Anglican Communion.
The Archbishop praised ACC-19 for creating a platform to celebrate young people’s contribution to peacebuilding and reaffirmed the importance of youth delegates serving as full voting members of the Council. He challenged churches to stop viewing young people merely as the future of the Church, insisting they are “the present of the Church” and should be empowered to lead today.
Youth delegates shared powerful testimonies from regions experiencing conflict and social unrest. Agnes reflected on the impact of civic unrest in Hong Kong, describing how the Church became a safe space for healing and dialogue. She also highlighted the value of reconciliation resources that have reshaped her understanding of peacebuilding in everyday life.
Palestinian delegate Saba Kerry spoke about living amid ongoing conflict, describing peacebuilding as a daily vocation rooted in relationships rather than theory. He called on the wider Anglican Communion to continue equipping young people to become bridge-builders in their communities.
From Kenya, Zablon Agumbi reflected on the 2024 youth-led protests against corruption, noting that despite the tragic loss of lives, the demonstrations awakened many young people to their rights and strengthened their commitment to justice.
Audience members also shared experiences from South Sudan and Liberia, highlighting the devastating impact of conflict on children and urging churches to invest in future generations through peace education and reconciliation.
The panel reinforced the Anglican Communion’s ongoing commitment to peace and reconciliation, building on discussions at ACC-18 in Ghana and the 2022 Lambeth Conference. It also followed ACC-19 delegates’ pilgrimage to Derry/Londonderry, where they reflected on lessons from Northern Ireland’s journey towards peace and unity.
The youth-led discussion concluded with a renewed call for churches across the Communion to nurture emerging leaders and ensure young people remain central to the Church’s mission of justice, reconciliation and lasting peace.