Godfrey Yogaraja: New WEA Chairman | Christian Today

by Liam O'Connor Sports Editor

Yogarajah and Mansour Elected to Lead World Evangelical Alliance

the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) has announced new leadership, electing Pastor Godfrey yogarajah as chairman and Advocate Botrus Mansour as Secretary-General at the 2025 Seoul General Assembly. These appointments signal a renewed focus on religious freedom and global reconciliation for the influential evangelical association.

Did you know? – The WEA represents over 700 million evangelical Christians globally, making it one of the largest international evangelical organizations.

A Champion for the Persecuted: Yogarajah Takes the Helm

Pastor godfrey Yogarajah, currently serving as president of the Asian Evangelical Alliance (AEA), was elected as the new chairman of the WEA. yogarajahs election, announced at the 2025 Seoul general Assembly, reflects the organization’s commitment to advocating for Christians facing persecution worldwide. He has served as the WEA’s ambassador for religious freedom, traveling extensively to countries with restrictions on Christianity.

Yogarajah’s work focuses on equipping Christian leaders with strategies to navigate persecution,bolster advocacy efforts,and strengthen leadership within thier communities. A Sri Lankan national and graduate of Union Bible Seminary in Pune, India, Yogarajah has been widely recognized for his commitment to religious liberty, receiving awards from international advocacy groups and the Sri Lankan government.

The WEA International Board of Directors cited Yogarajah’s unwavering dedication to the evangelical movement, his steadfast defense of biblical authority, and his support for the church amidst religious challenges in Sri Lanka – a nation with notable Buddhist and Muslim populations – as key factors in their decision. He currently resides in Colombo,Sri lanka,with his wife,Roshani Irene Jayatileke.

Pro tip: – Religious freedom advocacy frequently enough involves understanding local laws and cultural contexts. Yogarajah’s experience in diverse regions is a valuable asset.

Mansour: A Bridge Builder in the Middle East

Advocate Botrus Mansour was elected as the new Secretary-General of the WEA. Mansour, born in Nazareth, Israel, in 1965, brings a unique perspective to the role, rooted in his experience navigating the complexities of faith and society in the Middle East. He initially pursued a career in law, later earning an MBA with a focus on non-profit management.

As 2004, Mansour has led Nazareth Baptist School, dedicating himself to the development of future Christian leaders. He also pioneered a local church in Nazareth in 1996 and was ordained as an elder in 2001, demonstrating a long-term commitment to ministry.

Mansour’s leadership extends beyond the local church. He has served as Chairman of the Union of Evangelical churches in Israel, Secretary-General of the Evangelical Union of Jordan and the Holy Land, Vice-Chairman of Nazareth Village, and Co-Chairman of the ‘Israel-Palestine Reconciliation Initiative’ in Lausanne. He is a prolific writer and speaker, delivering lectures in Arabic, hebrew, and English on topics ranging from Christian education and religious freedom to reconciliation and peace in the Middle East.

Reader question: – How might Mansour’s experience in interfaith dialogue shape the WEA’s approach to global reconciliation efforts?

Why did this happen? The WEA sought leadership that reflects its evolving priorities, particularly in addressing global persecution and fostering reconciliation. Yogarajah’s advocacy work and Mansour’s experience in a conflict-ridden region positioned them as ideal candidates.

Who was involved? The key players were Pastor Godfrey Yogarajah, Advocate Botrus mansour, the WEA International Board of Directors, and the broader evangelical community represented at the 2025 Seoul General Assembly.

What occurred? The WEA elected Yogarajah as chairman and Mansour as Secretary-General, signaling a shift towards increased focus on religious freedom and reconciliation.

How did it end? The election concluded

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