The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), acting as an evangelical roof organisation, opened a new office in Geneva, Switzerland, in partnership with the Swiss Evangelical Alliance (SEA). The opening of this liaison office in Geneva is part of long-term efforts to strengthen the voice of the Persecuted Church, as well as to influence world leaders in the neighbouring United Nations (UN) and World Council of Churches (WCC). The new WEA office will play an important part in the Evangelical work with the newly established Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva to enhance Influence on UN Human Rights.

"In a day of growing global complexities it is critical that WEA increases its impact on the global stage," said Geoff Tunnicliffe, International Director of the World Evangelical Alliance. "The opening of the Geneva office will provide another resource to more effectively influence world organisations and thought of their leaders.

The office looks to be crucial in enhancing the Evangelical participation within the United Nations, according to Johan Candelin, executive director of the WEA Religious Freedom Commission.

Meanwhile, Hansjörg Leutwyler, General Secretary of the Swiss Evangelical Alliance, and Jean-Paul Zürcher, General Secretary of the French-speaking Alliance branch, "Réseau évangelique" (Evangelical network), applauded the new opening as a "testimony to all."

"The evangelicals sometimes have been overly cautious of international organizations", Zürcher said. "However, I personally think it is a blessing to be able to assist those who are weak and speak out for those who are voiceless in this world. For this reason, I greatly rejoice at the increased collaboration and exchange of competences that will be brought about from the sharing of our offices. I also see in it a chance for the Christians of Geneva and for the French-speaking part of Switzerland to better understand the role they play in this international city."

The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) is a global ministry working with local churches around the world to join in common concern to live and proclaim the Good News of Jesus in their communities. WEA is a network of churches in 127 nations that have each formed an evangelical alliance and over 100 international organizations joining together to give a worldwide identity, voice and platform to more than 420 million evangelical Christians.