News
WCC’s new website will draw global fellowship even closer
The World Council of Churches (WCC) will reveal a new website on 16-18 October, ushering in an online community that will serve as an “ecumenical window” and a digital communication hub for the WCC’s multilingual fellowship.
WCC welcomes new staff
The World Council of Churches (WCC) has welcomed five new staff. WCC interim general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca warmly greeted them as they began to serve in their particular ministries.
During Churches' Week of Action on Food, “let us get back to the basics”
Dr Manoj Kurian is coordinator of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance. We we are now in the midst of observing Churches’ Week of Action on Food, he reflects on this year’s theme, “Grow, Nourish, Sustain Together.”
As US churches gather in Christian unity, “I kept listening for the voice of God”
As the National Council of Churches (USA) held an online Christian Unity Gathering on 12-13 Oc-tober, Rev. James A. Forbes reflected to a tired nation: “Does anybody question whether we’ve seen some plagues?”Forbes is senior minister emeritus of the Riverside Church, an interdenominational congregation on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York City. He was the first African American minister to lead this multicultural congregation, and served it for 18 years.
WCC and United Bible Societies convene for Leadership summit, share words of hope
The World Council of Churches (WCC) and United Bible Societies held a leadership summit on 14 October, sharing words of gratitude for creative responses during the COVID-19 pandemic and also discussing potential joint projects during the coming months. Michael Perreau, director general of United Bible Societies, confirmed that the two organisations share deep historical roots and a richness in the Biblical tradition. “This year, a summit to establish the course for the coming months of collaboration was needed more than ever,” he said. “In these times of fear and uncertainty we are encouraged to reexamine our values, modes of operations through the lens of sacrifice, generosity and efficiency.”
WCC publishes “Health-Promoting Churches: Reflections on Health and Healing for Churches on Commemorative World Health Days”
The World Council of Churches (WCC) has released a new publication,“Health-Promoting Churches: Reflections on Health and Healing for Churches on Commemorative World Health Days,” that is designed to accompany churches and strengthen their health-related ministries.
New report shows critical thinking – and critical clicking – are needed to respond to online hate speech
A new report and resource kit to address hateful content online has been published by WACC Europe, the European region of the World Association for Christian Communication.
Olive harvest initiative reaffirms commitment to justice and peace in the Holy Land
Olive trees know neither religious nor territorial boundaries and bear fruit even under occupation. With the annual olive harvest season commencing, the WCC launches a global initiative this week, highlighting the spiritual, economic and cultural importance of the olive harvest for Palestinian communities, and witnessing to the impact of the occupation.
WCC calls for immediate end to military actions in Nagorno-Karabakh region
World Council of Churches interim general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca expressed deep concern about the violations of the humanitarian ceasefire agreed between Armenia and Azerbaijan on 10 October.
On World Mental Health Day, “expect your colorful life”
In honor of World Mental Health Day, observed on 10 October, Hanbeet Rhee, a member of the Ecumenical Youth Council in Korea and a member of the World Council of Churches ECHOS Commission on Youth, shared her personal encouragement and testimony about the importance of caring for one’s mental health.
Leaders from Higher Committee on Human Fraternity reflect on “changing hearts and mentalities”
During a meeting of the Higher Committee on Human Fraternity on 9 October at the Bossey Ecumenical Institute, WCC interim general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca reflected on how best to promote and uphold one humanity.
Rev. Dr Karin Achtelstetter: “More than ever we need to come together in faith, solidarity and hope”
The World Council of Churches is publishing a series of interviews that portray insights and reflections from the leaders of faith-based global and regional humanitarian and development organizations. Rev. Dr Karin Achtelstetter is executive director of Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR).
WCC congratulates World Food Programme on receiving Nobel Peace Prize
The World Council of Churches (WCC) welcomed and celebrated the award of the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize to the UN World Food Programme. “We express our gratitude and congratulations to the leadership and each staff member of the World Food Programme,” said Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, WCC interim general secretary. “This vital multilateral organisation comprises many dedicated people, working in the remotest and most vulnerable regions of the world, affected by conflict, climate catastrophe and economic crises.”
WCC to host online prayer service for World Food Day
The World Council of Churches (WCC) is inviting all people of good will to attend an online prayer service on 16 October, World Food Day at 4:30 p.m. (CET).
WCC president addresses unique assembly of Church of Sweden
As the Church of Sweden’s highest decision-making body – its Church Assembly – opened in late September, WCC president for Europe Archbishop emeritus Anders Wejryd spoke on the legacy and present-day importance of ecumenical efforts.
Global Media Monitoring Project promotes gender justice in media coverage
The Global Media Monitoring Project, able to take place safely amid the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to promote gender justice in media coverage. Thousands of volunteers from 145 countries are participating.
WCC stands with National Council of Churches in the Philippines in urging better protection of human rights
The National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) has expressed disappointment in the inadequacy of a recent resolution by the UN Human Rights Council (UNHCR) concerning human rights in the Philippines.
WCC moderator to lead plenary at upcoming G20 Interfaith Forum
World Council of Churches moderator Dr Agnes Abuom will lead a plenary session on empower-ment of women, youth and vulnerable people being held at the G20 Interfaith Forum on 15 Octo-ber. The online forum will feature hundreds of policymakers, prominent experts and religious leaders speaking over five days in dozens of sessions.
Sudanese church leaders express hope that new pact will end war
Church leaders in Sudan are welcoming a peace agreement signed between the transitional government and rebel groups on 3 October, after a year of talks in Juba City, the South Sudanese capital.
Webinar to focus on how to deal with hate speech online
What can be done to counter hate speech on the internet and in social media at time when online intolerance is widespread, and threatens democratic debate in societies?
