News
Ecumenical statement on migration received by European Commission
The advocacy statement of ecumenical organisations responding to the new EU Migrant Pact and the situation of migrants and refugees in Europe was received 25 September in the European Commission offices in Brussels. The statement was addressed to Vangelis Demiris, cabinet member of the vice president of the commission Margaritis Schinas, who is coordinating the commission’s work on the New Pact on Migration and Asylum. Dr Jørgen Skov Sørensen, general secretary of the Conference of European Churches, and Dr Torsten Moritz, general secretary of the Churches' Commission for Migrants in Europe, delivered the statement to Demiris, who is responsible for the dialogue with the churches and faith-based organisations.
African ecumenical body releases a policy brief, as public debt and corruption rise
Amid growing concerns over runaway corruption and public debt in Africa, the All Africa Conference of Churches on 21 September launched a policy brief on the challenges, saying the two were now inseparable in the continent.
Global religious leaders urge end to “broken state of European migration”
A dozen global and regional religious organizations released an advocacy statement on the situation of migrants and refugees in Europe that defines their calling as Christians to “welcome the stranger,” and urges the creation of a world in which “we become human together.”
Global communicator Mark Beach has died
Former World Council of Churches (WCC) communications director Mark E. Beach was honoured at a commemorative prayer service on 22 September.
New biography marks 120th anniversary of birth of ecumenical pioneer Visser ’t Hooft
A new English-language biography of Willem A. Visser ’t Hooft, the first general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), has been published in the year that marks the 120th anniversary of his birth.
WCC congratulates Dr Michel Abs, new secretary general for Middle East Council of Churches
In a 21 September letter, World Council of Churches interim general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca congratulated Dr Michel Abs on being elected as the next secretary general of the Middle East Council of Churches.
Czechoslovak Hussite Church celebrates 100 years
On 15 September, the Czechoslovak Hussite Church officially celebrated its 100-year anniversary with a service in Prague. The service followed a previous one held on 11 January. The September date is a special one for the church, as 100 years ago on that day, the Czechoslovak Hussite Church achieved official recognition by the state.
South African church leaders say COVID-19 corruption kills, as they campaign against it
South African church leaders heard that corruption in their country kills when they organized for a campaign against the latest version of pillaging during the fight against the novel coronavirus pandemic.
“New Way of Work” livestream illuminates how Green Village will enhance daily lives
Hosting a livestream event on 17 September, Implenia and the World Council of Churches (WCC) invited speakers and fostered a dialogue that showed how Green Village will be the place to be for the way of work in the future.
Christian organizations representing 2 billion people call for more compassionate EU migration policy
Christian organizations representing 2 billion people—about one-third of the world's population—have released a statement on the dire situation of migrants and refugees in Europe, and they are demanding a more compassionate approach.
COVID-19 means new format for Germany’s largest ecumenical gathering in 2021
The organizers of Germany’s biggest ecumenical gathering planned for 2021 have announced they intend the event to go ahead but on a reduced scale due to the COVID-19 pandemic and with strict hygiene measures.
World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel “inspiring and troubling to the soul”
As churches across the world observed the World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel, they were reminded of God’s infinite love yet confessed to feeling overwhelmed by dark forces, too.
On International Day of Peace, Sudanese church leaders call for speedy implementation of key peace pact
As South Sudan joined the world in celebrating the International Day of Peace, the country’s church leaders urged speedy implementation of a key peace pact known as the Revitalised - Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.
WCC interim general secretary sends greetings to conference on empowering youth for peace
World Council of Churches interim general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca shared greetings with a conference on “Empowering Youth for Peace through Interreligious cooperation, education and humanitarian action.”
In the face of despair, churches lead a growing “crusade for peace” in Cameroon
In Cameroon, hundreds of people are praying for peace, and they are also singing, dancing, marching, and listening to reflections led by people of faith who are calling for a ceasefire — now.
Archbishop of Athens and All Greece: “Welcoming the stranger is an integral part of Christian heritage”
Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece offers reflections from an Orthodox perspective on the current plight of refugees, both in Greece and beyond, and how churches can help with both relief efforts and long-term wellbeing.
WCC assembly planning focus on the theme “Christ’s love moves the world to reconciliation and unity” in the context of COVID-19
The World Council of Churches (WCC) Assembly Planning Committee is meeting 22-25 September, marking the committee’s fourth preparatory meeting and its first meeting online.
Churches join hands for solidarity, human rights and dignity
Europe is again faced with a rise in migrants and refugees seeking a better life with some similar signs to the crisis that peaked five years ago during a mass movement triggered by the Syrian War and extreme hardships in other countries.
WCC celebrates five years of partnership with UNICEF
Five years ago, on 18 September, the World Council of Churches (WCC) and UNICEF signed a partnership that created a network of over 1,500 influential supporters and over 100 practical tools and strategies to strengthen the work for children.
Webinar explores far-ranging effects of COVID-19 and desperate need of pastoral care
During a webinar on the many effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Church of Norway fielded reflections from pastors and church leaders in diverse corners of the world. The presentation is part of a new webinar series, produced by Rev. Dr Einar Tjelle, on the local and global realities of COVID-19. Tjelle is head of Ecumenism & Interfaith Dialogue for the Church of Norway and the Council on Ecumenical &International Relations.
