You are here: Home / News & Media / News

News

AddInto
News from the World Council of Churches on its 10th Assembly which takes place 30 October to 8 November 2013 in Busan, Republic of Korea.
Broad coalition of Christians joins in Celebration of Unity

Broad coalition of Christians joins in Celebration of Unity

A historic moment in the life of the churches in Indonesia was observed in Jakarta from 17 to 18 May in a Celebration of Unity that brought together 100,000 Christians representing many churches and traditions from all across the country.

Broad coalition of Christians joins in Celebration of Unity - Read More…

Buddhist-Christian encounter to explore new mode of dialogue

An upcoming WCC consultation in Bangkok will attempt a distinctive mode of inter-religious dialogue.

Buddhist-Christian encounter to explore new mode of dialogue - Read More…

WCC assembly to be a pilgrimage to peace and justice

WCC assembly to be a pilgrimage to peace and justice

In a ceremony at the German Protestant Kirchentag, more than a thousand participants offered prayers for the WCC Busan assembly delegates, commissioning them to tread the “paths to peace in the East and West, North and South."

WCC assembly to be a pilgrimage to peace and justice - Read More…

WCC and partners strengthen relationship in advance of assembly

WCC and partners strengthen relationship in advance of assembly

The upcoming WCC 10th Assembly is not only a pivotal moment in the life of the global fellowship of 345 member churches but also a defining moment for the WCC and its programmatic and financial partners.

WCC and partners strengthen relationship in advance of assembly - Read More…

Proclaiming God of life entails mission from the margins

“The urgency of life today” drives Christian engagement in mission, say ten contributors to a new issue of the International Review of Mission, which links the new paradigm of mission to the theme of the upcoming WCC assembly.

Proclaiming God of life entails mission from the margins - Read More…

New congregational resource invites "pilgrimage to Busan"

New congregational resource invites "pilgrimage to Busan"

Available now in four languages, a new online publication from the WCC invites parishes and congregations to explore the themes of Christian unity, justice and peace in advance of the upcoming WCC 10th Assembly.

New congregational resource invites "pilgrimage to Busan" - Read More…

Churches seek life, peace, justice and dignity for Africa

Churches seek life, peace, justice and dignity for Africa

At the 50th anniversary of the All Africa Conference of Churches, church leaders from more than forty African countries ask how they can rise up against the shackles of the colonial legacy, conflicts, poverty, class struggles and political upheavals, to unlock Africa's immense potential.

Churches seek life, peace, justice and dignity for Africa - Read More…

Holding on to faith traditions, Uganda churches build their country

Holding on to faith traditions, Uganda churches build their country

“Uganda is a country of strong Christian witness. It is a country of Christian martyrs like Archbishop Janani Luwum, who lost his life at the hands of Idi Amin. It is therefore natural that we get together in Uganda to see what peace, justice and dignity mean to the African churches.”

Holding on to faith traditions, Uganda churches build their country - Read More…

Youth in Germany feel the rhythm of Busan

Youth in Germany feel the rhythm of Busan

While the WCC 10th Assembly is several months away, a foretaste of what young people will bring to the assembly and experience is already developing a rhythm.

Youth in Germany feel the rhythm of Busan - Read More…

WCC assembly theme explored by German and Argentinian ministers

WCC assembly theme explored by German and Argentinian ministers

Pastors from Germany and Argentina reflect on what peace and justice means while a local church in Germany encourages others to do the same through a new resource.

WCC assembly theme explored by German and Argentinian ministers - Read More…

Events today dramatize lessons and legacies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki anniversary

Events in Northeast Asia this year “dramatize how much the region and the world still live in the shadow of mass destruction”, the WCC general secretary said in a comment on the 68th anniversary this week of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. “The God of life calls all of us to take up [the survivors’] tireless cry and make certain that a Hiroshima or Nagasaki bombing can never happen again.”

Events today dramatize lessons and legacies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki anniversary - Read More…

Churches to observe International Day of Prayer for Peace

Churches to observe International Day of Prayer for Peace

The WCC is calling its member churches to observe the International Day of Prayer for Peace on 21 September.

Churches to observe International Day of Prayer for Peace - Read More…

Justice and peace in focus during WCC general secretary’s visit to US

Justice and peace in focus during WCC general secretary’s visit to US

The ecumenical calling of churches and exploring different ways of renewing their commitment towards justice and peace was a significant focus during the WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit‘s recent visit to churches in the United States.

Justice and peace in focus during WCC general secretary’s visit to US - Read More…

Indian churches reflect on the WCC assembly theme

Indian churches reflect on the WCC assembly theme

While reflecting on the theme of the WCC upcoming assembly in Busan, Indian churches stressed the importance of celebrating life in fullness, vibrancy, dynamism and fervour irrespective of caste, creed, colour, class, gender or ethnicity.

Indian churches reflect on the WCC assembly theme - Read More…

Indonesian churches to contribute spirit of diversity to WCC assembly

Indonesian churches to contribute spirit of diversity to WCC assembly

With 15 million members of various ethnicities and backgrounds living alongside the world’s largest national Muslim population, Indonesian churches hope to make a dynamic contribution to the upcoming assembly of the WCC in Busan, Republic of Korea.

Indonesian churches to contribute spirit of diversity to WCC assembly - Read More…

Time to pray for God’s creation

Time to pray for God’s creation

In a call to celebrate Time for Creation, Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, encouraged the churches to pay attention to the “human interventions impacting the ecological balance”.

Time to pray for God’s creation - Read More…

Event in Geneva will celebrate the spirit of WCC assembly

Members of migrant and local churches in Geneva will get to experience the life and spirit of the WCC 10th Assembly in their own city on Saturday 14 September.

Event in Geneva will celebrate the spirit of WCC assembly - Read More…

Conference in Kenya addresses women’s concerns

Conference in Kenya addresses women’s concerns

Hopes for strong expressions of women’s concerns for life, justice and peace at the WCC's upcoming assembly were expressed at the 90th anniversary of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) - Woman’s Guild, held recently in Kenya.

Conference in Kenya addresses women’s concerns - Read More…

Asian youth call for justice and peace

Asian youth call for justice and peace

“Justice and peace now!” was a call made by the participants of the Asia-Pacific Students and Youth Gathering in the Philippines. They affirmed their role in revitalizing the ecumenical movement, aspiring to be “seeds of hope, catalysts of genuine and lasting peace that is based on justice”.

Asian youth call for justice and peace - Read More…

Youth delegates prepare for WCC assembly

Youth delegates prepare for WCC assembly

As part of the preparations for the upcoming WCC assembly in Korea, young delegates to the event recently got together in Geneva to strategize on making youth contributions to the assembly and to the WCC youth programme more meaningful – envisioning a “youth pilgrimage for justice and peace”.

Youth delegates prepare for WCC assembly - Read More…

Korean church delegation shares hope for a meaningful WCC assembly

Korean church delegation shares hope for a meaningful WCC assembly

During a recent visit, members of the committee responsible for hosting the upcoming WCC assembly in Busan shared their hope for a “meaningful and successful assembly” which will bring together the worldwide fellowship of WCC member churches in the Republic of Korea for celebration, deliberations and prayer.

Korean church delegation shares hope for a meaningful WCC assembly - Read More…

WCC 10th Assembly: hopes and aspirations

WCC 10th Assembly: hopes and aspirations

The 10th Assembly of the WCC begins at the end of October and promises to be one of the most diverse gatherings of Christians in the world.

WCC 10th Assembly: hopes and aspirations - Read More…

Peace Train takes a journey towards reunification of Koreas

Peace Train takes a journey towards reunification of Koreas

A Peace Train has recently started its journey from Berlin, Germany through Russia and China to northeast Asia and the WCC 10th assembly in Busan, Republic of Korea.

Peace Train takes a journey towards reunification of Koreas - Read More…

Thursdays in Black: zero tolerance for violence against women

Thursdays in Black: zero tolerance for violence against women

The WCC is working toward the revival of “Thursdays in Black”, a campaign against sexual and gender-based violence. The emphasis is pertinent to the theme of the WCC’s upcoming assembly: “God of life, lead us to justice and peace”.

Thursdays in Black: zero tolerance for violence against women - Read More…

Youth addresses community issues in a virtual conference

Youth addresses community issues in a virtual conference

The WCC held its first Youth Virtual Conference titled “Live your Faith!” on 12 October, offering young Christians from around the world an opportunity to reflect on issues of concern for their communities, including eco-justice, migration and peace.

Youth addresses community issues in a virtual conference - Read More…

Christian activists pray and fast to protest nuclear dangers in Busan and beyond

Christian activists pray and fast to protest nuclear dangers in Busan and beyond

In preparation for the WCC 10th Assembly in Busan, Republic of Korea (South Korea), pastors and peace activists in that nation are holding a 40-day “fasting prayer” in front of the Busan City Hall. They are protesting the dangers of nuclear radiation and asking to shut down South Korea’s oldest and incident-prone Kori Nuclear Power Plant, some 20 kilometres from the venue of the WCC assembly.

Christian activists pray and fast to protest nuclear dangers in Busan and beyond - Read More…

Theological education initiative begins in Seoul

Theological education initiative begins in Seoul

More than 200 international theology students of varied Christian traditions have commenced participating in the Global Ecumenical Theological Institute (GETI). An opening with a vibrant worship service at the Graduate School of Theology of Hanshin University marked the beginning of the GETI on 26 October in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Theological education initiative begins in Seoul - Read More…

Events leading up to WCC assembly focus on justice and peace

Events leading up to WCC assembly focus on justice and peace

Justice and peace were highlighted topics during events leading up to the WCC 10th Assembly. The pre-assembly gatherings engaged assembly participants including youth, indigenous peoples, women, and people with disabilities, as they discussed how to contribute to the assembly in a meaningful way.

Events leading up to WCC assembly focus on justice and peace - Read More…

WCC’s 60-year journey for gender justice continues

WCC’s 60-year journey for gender justice continues

Participants from across the ecumenical membership of the WCC gathered from 28 to 29 October for a Women and Men’s Pre-assembly programme preceding the WCC 10th Assembly in Busan, Republic of Korea. The WCC has had a long tradition and commitment to gender justice and advocacy for a just community of women and men in church and society, a commitment which began at the first WCC assembly in 1948.

WCC’s 60-year journey for gender justice continues - Read More…

Ecumenical Patriarch invokes prayers for WCC Busan assembly

Ecumenical Patriarch invokes prayers for WCC Busan assembly

In a video message shown at the opening of the 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Busan, Republic of Korea, Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, called on Christians to “pray for the peace of the whole world and for the unity of all”.

Ecumenical Patriarch invokes prayers for WCC Busan assembly - Read More…

Peace with justice is central to WCC’s work

Peace with justice is central to WCC’s work

Rev. Dr Walter Altmann, moderator of the WCC Central Committee, has called “peace with justice” a theme central to the work of the WCC. In a report he presented at the WCC 10th Assembly, he shared some of the principal accomplishments and challenges in the work of the WCC over the last seven years.

Peace with justice is central to WCC’s work - Read More…

Koreans tell their stories through music performance at WCC assembly

Koreans tell their stories through music performance at WCC assembly

Participants in the WCC 10th Assembly witnessed a vibrant artistic performance filled with music and drama, telling the story of the national and Christian mission history of Korea.

Koreans tell their stories through music performance at WCC assembly - Read More…

WCC general secretary sees hope for the ecumenical movement

WCC general secretary sees hope for the ecumenical movement

Amidst dramatic events, injustices and crises in the world, God is creating a “new dawn” for the ecumenical movement, said the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the WCC. He was reporting at the 10th Assembly of the WCC on the council’s work over the last seven years. He welcomed the coming of this Assembly which he expects to be an event of humility, honesty and hope.

WCC general secretary sees hope for the ecumenical movement - Read More…

WCC assembly opens with prayers, reflections and great hopes

WCC assembly opens with prayers, reflections and great hopes

The 10th Assembly of the WCC opened on Wednesday, 30 October in Busan, Republic of Korea under the theme “God of life, lead us to justice and peace.”

WCC assembly opens with prayers, reflections and great hopes - Read More…

By train to Busan: Journeying for peace in Korea

By train to Busan: Journeying for peace in Korea

“They’re coming, they’re coming,” shouts a young women, looking toward the train pulling into platform 6 at Busan Station. When the doors open, people get off with large suitcases. They look tired – yet incredibly happy at the same time. They’ve traveled from Berlin to Busan, 20 days across Europe and Asia. Their objective: To send out a signal against the division of Korea – and for peace in the country which has been split in two for 63 years.

By train to Busan: Journeying for peace in Korea - Read More…

Prime Minister of Republic of Korea welcomes WCC assembly

Prime Minister of Republic of Korea welcomes WCC assembly

Greetings to South Korea were extended by Chung Hongwon, prime minister of the Republic of Korea, at the WCC 10th Assembly in Busan. In his speech he welcomed the assembly participants, and acknowledged contributions of the Korean churches towards peace, justice and provision of help to the disadvantaged.

Prime Minister of Republic of Korea welcomes WCC assembly - Read More…

Participants connect assembly theme to their realities

Participants connect assembly theme to their realities

A plenary session of the 10th Assembly of the WCC delved deeply into the question how, in a world faced with violence, conflicts and discrimination, the “God of life” can lead people, communities and churches towards “justice and peace”.

Participants connect assembly theme to their realities - Read More…

Witnessing “God of life” amidst suffering

Witnessing “God of life” amidst suffering

“’God of life, lead us to justice and peace’ has become a prayer around the world.” These were words of Dr Wedad Abbas Tawfik about the theme of the WCC 10th Assembly. She shared her experiences and hopes for social and political stability as a Coptic Christian in her country, Egypt.

Witnessing “God of life” amidst suffering - Read More…

Asia shares aspirations for justice and peace at the WCC assembly

Asia shares aspirations for justice and peace at the WCC assembly

At the WCC 10th Assembly, the Asia region shared current realities through churches’ voices, cultural symbols and artistic performances. A continent of diversity and religious plurality, Asia is filled with contradictions of wealth and poverty, and a strong resilience. As its churches seek paths toward “justice and peace” in their societies, Asia offers an impressive range of experience.

Asia shares aspirations for justice and peace at the WCC assembly - Read More…

"Umulga" SHe-Space: women and men working together for gender justice

"Umulga" SHe-Space: women and men working together for gender justice

The WCC has devoted 60 years of active commitment to gender justice. The WCC 10th Assembly being held in Busan, Republic of Korea is continuing the campaign for advocacy for gender justice. The WCC, in partnership with Korean women, has designed an encounter space – Umulga SHe-Space in the Madang exhibition hall at the WCC assembly.

"Umulga" SHe-Space: women and men working together for gender justice - Read More…

Religion, Power, Politics: A conversation with Konrad Raiser

Religion, Power, Politics: A conversation with Konrad Raiser

On 1 November, in the exhibition hall at the WCC 10th Assembly in Busan, Republic of Korea, former general secretary of the WCC Rev. Dr Konrad Raiser discussed his book Religion, Power, Politics. Raiser is a theologian from Germany and author of many works in the area of political ethics and public theology, including For a Culture of Life: Transforming Globalization and Violence.

Religion, Power, Politics: A conversation with Konrad Raiser - Read More…

WCC assembly participants make pilgrimage for peace on Korean peninsula

WCC assembly participants make pilgrimage for peace on Korean peninsula

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the division between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) and the Republic of Korea (South Korea). The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) has separated North and South Korea since the military armistice agreement was signed on 27 July 1953 at the close of the Korean War. Since

WCC assembly participants make pilgrimage for peace on Korean peninsula - Read More…

Mission: a call to life-giving witness

Mission: a call to life-giving witness

Today the WCC10th Assembly featured a mission plenary. The plenary session presented an action-oriented reflection based on the new WCC mission statement: Together Towards Life: Mission and Evangelism in Changing Landscapes. The plenary sought to highlight the common challenges and opportunities for mission in the current global context.

Mission: a call to life-giving witness - Read More…

Assembly elects new WCC presidents

The 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches elected eight new presidents today during a closed session at its proceedings in Busan, Republic of Korea.

Assembly elects new WCC presidents - Read More…

Religious leaders highlight significance of water at WCC assembly

Religious leaders highlight significance of water at WCC assembly

A symbolic act of pouring water into one common vessel, carried out by religious leaders representing Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and Buddhist faiths, marked the significance of water in various religious traditions. This action took place at the WCC 10th Assembly, currently underway in Busan, Republic of Korea.

Religious leaders highlight significance of water at WCC assembly - Read More…

Hope born in the womb of God

Hope born in the womb of God

Lit with bright lights and adorned with colourful paintings on the walls, the Raham Centre run by the Gimhae Presbyterian Church in South Korea looks like a day-care centre for children. However, the name Raham, which literally means “womb of a woman” or “womb of God” in the Hebrew language, has deep implications for the work of the centre with the purpose of supporting “migrant wives” in Gimhae.

Hope born in the womb of God - Read More…

EAPPI space in Busan advocates for peace in Palestine and Israel

EAPPI space in Busan advocates for peace in Palestine and Israel

A space set up by the WCC's Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) at the WCC’s 10th Assembly in Busan, Republic of Korea, shares the realities of people living in the Palestinian occupied territory, through images, presentation and conversations stressing the need for peace in the region.

EAPPI space in Busan advocates for peace in Palestine and Israel - Read More…

Unity in Christ: the journey of fellowship

Unity in Christ: the journey of fellowship

Today the WCC 10th Assembly hosted a unity plenary. The plenary invited participants to reflect on unity and the spiritual journey of fellowship grounded in prayerful reflection.

Unity in Christ: the journey of fellowship - Read More…

Lest we forget: South Sudan is on the journey to justice and peace

Lest we forget: South Sudan is on the journey to justice and peace

On 9 July 2011, South Sudan became the world’s newest nation. South Sudan today is estimated to be home to more than 11 million people and is geographically one of the larger countries in Africa. The prayer and theme of the WCC 10th Assembly is “God of life, lead us to justice and peace”. What does the prayer for justice and peace means for South Sudan today and in the future?

Lest we forget: South Sudan is on the journey to justice and peace - Read More…

Workshop in Busan addresses discrimination against sexual minorities

Workshop in Busan addresses discrimination against sexual minorities

A “safe space” created for dialogue on human sexuality featured stories of pain, exclusion and violence faced by sexual minorities in many parts of the world. This space for dialogue was created in a workshop on 5 November at the WCC 10th Assembly currently underway in Busan, Republic of Korea.

Workshop in Busan addresses discrimination against sexual minorities - Read More…

World Council of Churches visits North Korean border

World Council of Churches visits North Korean border

On Saturday participants in the 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches in Busan showed their solidarity with the people of Korea by means of peace messages. They visited the border between South and North Korea, which has divided the Korean peninsula for the past 63 years.

World Council of Churches visits North Korean border - Read More…

Jeju: Island of justice and peace?

Twenty-one WCC 10th Assembly participants visited Jeju Island for a weekend program of the event, meeting with those protesting about the building of a naval base on the south of the island.

Jeju: Island of justice and peace? - Read More…

New WCC Central Committee elected

New WCC Central Committee elected

The 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches has elected the Central Committee today during a closed session at its proceedings in Busan, Republic of Korea.

New WCC Central Committee elected - Read More…

Issues of justice in focus at WCC Busan assembly

Issues of justice in focus at WCC Busan assembly

The plenary on justice at the WCC 10th Assembly brings into focus the core of its theme “God of life, lead us to justice and peace.” Following on diverse reflections from around the world on Christian unity, Asia and mission, the assembly plenary on 6 November in Busan, Republic of Korea, highlighted struggles for justice.

Issues of justice in focus at WCC Busan assembly - Read More…

“No one can serve Christ and caste!”

“No one can serve Christ and caste!”

The National Council of Churches in India has taken a firm stand against casteism and caste discrimination in India. The NCCI Commission on Dalits is exhibiting materials about its campaign “Solidarity with Dalits for Justice and Dignity” in the Madang Hall at the WCC 10th Assembly. The NCCI Commission on Dalits has also created a unique way of raising awareness about casteism.

“No one can serve Christ and caste!” - Read More…

Orthodox Handbook on Ecumenism presented at WCC 10th Assembly in Busan

Orthodox and ecumenical scholars presented the Orthodox Handbook on Theological Education and Ecumenism at the World Council of Churches (WCC) 10th Assembly in Busan, Republic of Korea on Wednesday, 6 November.

Orthodox Handbook on Ecumenism presented at WCC 10th Assembly in Busan - Read More…

Hearing many voices for justice and peace

Hearing many voices for justice and peace

On Wednesday, 6 November, the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) facilitated a workshop “Hearing Many Voices for Justice and Peace” at the World Council of Churches (WCC) 10th Assembly. The WACC promotes communication as a basic human right, essential to people's dignity and community.

Hearing many voices for justice and peace - Read More…

Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee speaks at WCC Peace Plenary

Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee speaks at WCC Peace Plenary

“Blessed are the peace makers” is the proclamation in Matthew 5:9. Today the WCC 10th Assembly featured Leymah Gbowee as one of the key speakers at the Peace Plenary, which featured stories, images and signs of hope from God leading toward justice and peace.

Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee speaks at WCC Peace Plenary - Read More…

Busan assembly highlights significance of peace

Busan assembly highlights significance of peace

Perspectives of peace-builders, shedding light on how peace can be achieved in communities, societies and nations, were featured at a plenary session of the WCC 10th Assembly. The plenary focusing on the theme of peace included Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee and Korean theologian Dr Chang Yoon Jae.

Busan assembly highlights significance of peace - Read More…

Message of the WCC Assembly: “We intend to move together”

Message of the WCC Assembly: “We intend to move together”

“Join the Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace” is the title of the Message of the WCC 10th Assembly. The assembly in Busan, Republic of Korea, was convened on 30 October and drew to a close on 8 November 2013. An assembly, the highest governing body of the WCC, is held once every seven to eight years to endorse policies, review projects and point the future direction of the organization.

Message of the WCC Assembly: “We intend to move together” - Read More…

First woman and African moderator elected to the WCC Central Committee

First woman and African moderator elected to the WCC Central Committee

In one of their first decisions as the Central Committee for the World Council of Churches, the 150-member committee made history Friday by electing Dr Agnes Abuom of Nariobi, Kenya as the moderator of the highest WCC governing body.

First woman and African moderator elected to the WCC Central Committee - Read More…

WCC Assembly addresses contemporary public issues

WCC Assembly addresses contemporary public issues

Politicization of religion, rights of religious minorities and stateless people, peace and reunification of the Korean Peninsula and just peace served as subjects of the public statements adopted at the WCC 10th Assembly in Busan, Republic of Korea.

WCC Assembly addresses contemporary public issues - Read More…

Assembly renews churches’ commitment towards justice and peace

Assembly renews churches’ commitment towards justice and peace

The WCC 10th Assembly in Busan, Republic of Korea, concluded on 8 November, acting to inspire churches to renew their commitments to justice and peace. Through varied encounters and dialogue within the fellowship of churches, the Assembly has made concrete decisions and recommendations setting priorities for the future work of the WCC.

Assembly renews churches’ commitment towards justice and peace - Read More…

First fruits of 10th Assembly are published

First fruits of 10th Assembly are published

Chief contributions and highlights of the WCC 10th Assembly are available in the newest issue of The Ecumenical Review, a quarterly journal of the WCC.

First fruits of 10th Assembly are published - Read More…