World Evangelical Alliance Leader Resigns Due to Health Concerns
Thomas Schirrmacher has led the group since 2021
The secretary general of the World Evangelical Alliance resigned as of March 31 due to health reasons.
Dr. Thomas Schirrmacher informed the Alliance’s governing body of his resignation due to ongoing health concerns related to long COVID.
homas Schirrmacher / Photo from WEA bio
“We wish him a full and speedy recovery and pray for God’s healing hand upon him to continue his significant global ministry,” the Alliance’s press statement said.
Schirrmacher took the helm as CEO and secretary general of the World Evangelical Alliance in February 2021. The 63-year-old German is ordained in the Anglican tradition and has several doctoral degrees in ethics, ecumenical theology, sociology, and cultural anthropology.
His work with the World Evangelical Alliance spanned three decades, including his service as chairman of the Alliance’s Theological Commission and as Associate Secretary General for Theological Concerns.
In his inaugural address to Alliance members in 2021, Schirrmacher focused on the definition of evangelical and highlighted “the diversity of the family of believers around the world, the historicity of our faith, the authority of Scripture, the mission of spreading the Gospel message, speaking up for religious freedom and the unity of believers who hold onto these core convictions.”
Dr. Goodwill Shana was named as interim executive chair to oversee the current team of two deputy secretaries general for a term not to exceed six months.
The mission of the World Evangelical Alliance is “fostering unity in Christ, strengthening identity, voice, and platform for Gospel witness and discipleship.”
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The Alliance traces its history to the Evangelical Alliance established in 1846 in England when social injustice and child labor practices were burdening the hearts of English Christians.
In 2001, it changed its name from the World Evangelical Fellowship to the World Evangelical Alliance.
In the MinistryWatch database, the World Evangelical Alliance earns an “A” transparency grade, a 4-star financial efficiency rating, and a donor confidence score of 88, meaning donors can “give with confidence.”
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