The World Council of Churches was formally established in Amsterdam in 1948, marking a significant milestone in the history of global Christian ecumenical cooperation. The organisation was created to serve as a primary forum for dialogue and collaboration between various Christian denominations.

By bringing together churches from a wide range of traditions, the council sought to foster mutual understanding and a shared commitment to common witness. Its formation represented a concerted effort to bridge historical divides and encourage unity across the Christian world.

The council was designed to function as a fellowship of churches rather than a centralised governing body. This structure allowed it to promote cooperation while respecting the autonomy and distinct traditions of its member organisations. Key objectives of the council included:

• Facilitating ongoing ecumenical dialogue
• Promoting a unified Christian witness
• Encouraging collaborative social and humanitarian work
• Fostering deeper relationships between diverse traditions
• Maintaining a fellowship without imposing a single church authority