http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf Information service en http://www.oikoumene.org/typo3/gfx/i/tt_news.gif http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf 18 16 WCC Domino - WCC News http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Mon, 15 Feb 2010 03:13:28 PM +0100 http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-10-99.html Newsweekly ecumenism perspectives theology dov relations orthodoxparticipation relationswithnonmember romancatholic pentecostal ia humanrights accompaniment interreligious mission health education jpc globalization environment water women indigenous youth disabilities racism relief regions africa asia europe latinamerica middleeast northamerica pacific Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:13:29 +0100 This is the last message being sent (through this RSS feed)/(from this service). Please note that WCC news can now be found at www.oikoumene.org The new RSS feed is at http://www.oikoumene.org/en/news.html?type=100 http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-10-07.html Newseducation europe northamerica Thu, 4 Feb 2010 07:45:00 +0100 The endowment of two new scholarship funds geared towards facilitating studies at the Ecumenical Institute of the World Council of Churches (WCC) was celebrated at the graduation ceremony for the 61st session of the institute's Graduate School of Ecumenical Studies on 3 February. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-10-06.html Newsglobalization relief latinamerica Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:50:48 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit has called on the international community to cancel Haiti's foreign debt. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-10-05.html Newsmission Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:45:13 +0100 http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-10-01.html Featureglobalization relief latinamerica Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:05:45 +0100 As churches and church related organizations mobilize resources to bring immediate relief to the people of Port-au-Prince, they are also advocating for the international community to waive Haiti's foreign debt while building a more sustainable future for the country. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-10-04.html Newsrelations orthodoxparticipation europe Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:16:00 +0100 In a congratulatory letter to Bishop Irinej (Gavrilovic) of Nis, who was elected patriarch by the holy assembly of bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church on Friday, 22 January, the general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit expressed " extraordinary joy" at the news of the election. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-10-03.html Newsdov relations ia interreligious asia Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:36:07 +0100 In a 13 January solidarity letter to the churches in Malaysia, the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit expressed deep concern and profound sorrow about recent attacks against church buildings in the country following a controversy over the right of Christians to use the term "Allah" to refer to God. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-10-02.html Newsrelief latinamerica Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:29:08 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit has expressed condolences and solidarity with the people of Haiti after the earthquake there and has called for prompt support in the relief efforts. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-10-01.html Newsecumenism theology romancatholic mission Thu, 7 Jan 2010 12:29:32 +0100 During the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2010, Christians throughout the world will be listening together to the promise and commission that are part of Christ's final words before his ascension: "You are witnesses of these things." http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-100.html Newsia humanrights health africa Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:35:39 +0100 The general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), the Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, wrote a letter to Uganda's President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, saying that the WCC was "saddened and distressed to receive the news from Uganda regarding a proposed law against homosexual individuals […], which also proposes the death penalty to be meted to homosexual individuals who are HIV positive". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-41.html Featuretheology environment water africa europe northamerica Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:56:10 +0100 What does the Bible say about climate change? What are the theological insights churches can offer to a world facing an unprecedented ecological crisis? These questions, addressed at a public seminar on "Creation and the climate crisis" attended by church representatives to the UN climate summit in Copenhagen on 15 December, seem even more urgent after the summit’s failure to reach the fair, ambitious and legally binding agreement that millions around the world had hoped for. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-99.html Newsia globalization environment water Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:51:34 +0100 As the excitement of the Copenhagen climate change talks subside, the time for matching reality with expectations has begun. From the perspective of the World Council of Churches (WCC) the outcome of the negotiations unfortunately did not match expectations. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-98.html Newsia environment Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:38:00 +0100 "The present day reality shows that our sincere efforts have not been enough to bring in the age of social justice and peace," according to a statement delivered to the plenary of high-level segment of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark on Friday, 18 December on behalf of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and its ecumenical partners. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-81.html Newsweekly ecumenism dov relations relationswithnonmember jpc regions africa asia europe latinamerica middleeast northamerica pacific Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:18:00 +0100 This year's Christmas message from the World Council of Churches (WCC) is available in 17 languages reflecting the linguistic diversity of the WCC member churches: Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, Georgian, German, Greek, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Samoan, Spanish and Swahili. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-96.html Newsdov Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:32:00 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) has invited the submission of workshop proposals for the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) to take place in Jamaica in May 2011. Proposals must be submitted by 31 May 2010. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-97.html Newsjpc environment europe pacific Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:39:33 +0100 With the climate change negotiations sputtering and showing signs of being less than legally binding, ambitious and fair, leaders of churches and international church organizations sent a message to negotiators Tuesday evening imploring them to "not be afraid." The letter, which was signed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the incoming and outgoing general secretaries of the World Council of Churches as well as church leaders from Europe, North America and the Pacific, says the negotiations are at a crucial stage and negotiators need to be steadfast to "act now." http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-40.html Featureenvironment europe northamerica pacific Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:18:22 +0100 Why should religious people be involved in the climate change debate? And how should religious people, particularly Christians, view themselves in relation to the earth and God, the creator of the earth? http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-39.html Feature Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:12:00 +0100 At an impressive ceremony which brought together a wide spectrum of Palestinian civil society, including church leaders, and over 50 people from every region of the world, Palestinian Christians launched the document popularly referred to as the Kairos Palestine Document. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-95.html Newsenvironment Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:24:09 +0100 Half way through the UN climate summit in Copenhagen and after a week in which no breakthrough was achieved, ecumenical leaders have asked negotiators to be more ambitious. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-94.html Newsia jpc environment water europe pacific Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:49:06 +0100 As a wave of ringing bells embraced the globe, churches sent a strong message to world leaders gathered at the UN climate summit in Copenhagen: There is only one world and in order to preserve it, bold action needs to be taken now. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-93.html News Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:00:00 +0100 An MP3 audio file (approx. length: 39 minutes; size: 35.5 MB) of the press conference given at the UN climate summit in Copenhagen by Archbishop (emeritus) Desmond Tutu and others on Sunday, 13 December is available for downloading. Another MP3 file features Tutu’s and De Boer’s speeches at the remittance of half a million signatures for climate justice. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-90.html Newsrelations orthodoxparticipation romancatholic accompaniment middleeast Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:12:00 +0100 A group of Palestinian Christians representing a variety of churches and church-related organizations have issued an animated and prayerful call for an end to occupation of Palestine by Israel. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-92.html News Wed, 9 Dec 2009 16:10:00 +0100 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Desmond Tutu and church leaders from the regions most affected by climate change will speak out on climate change from a faith perspective during the Copenhagen UN climate summit on Sunday, 13 December at 3.30 pm. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-91.html Newsecumenism Wed, 9 Dec 2009 15:34:10 +0100 In a 10-minute interview available online at the website of the World Council of Churches (WCC) the Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia reflects on his six-year term as the general secretary of the WCC – the broadest and most inclusive organized expression of the ecumenical movement. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-89.html Newstheology Tue, 8 Dec 2009 10:31:54 +0100 Proper theological education is of strategic importance for the future of Christianity. So is ecumenical formation for the future of the ecumenical movement, according to a world report on the future of theological education. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-88.html Newsorthodoxparticipation humanrights europe Tue, 8 Dec 2009 09:49:51 +0100 An international ecumenical delegation visiting Turkey at the end of November has encouraged the country's authorities to improve the situation of religious minorities. The exercise of religious freedom, the legal status of churches, including property issues, and the right to religious education were on the agenda. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-38.html Featureaccompaniment water middleeast Thu, 3 Dec 2009 16:37:13 +0100 Rows of neat suburban houses stand on the parched, barren hillside. A water tower looms over them, irrigating lush greenery in the gardens. But outside this West Bank settlement's perimeter fence sits the tiny Bedouin community of Umm Al Kher, whose residents are desperate for water. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-87.html Newseurope Thu, 3 Dec 2009 09:43:03 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) Global Ecumenical Network on Migration (GEM) has welcomed a year-long campaign by European churches aimed at granting long-term resident permits to foreigners after five years of legal stay. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-86.html Newslatinamerica pacific Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:07:44 +0100 The library of the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva was renamed the Philip A. Potter Library on Friday in honour of the third general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC). http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-85.html Newstheology dov women Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:33:00 +0100 On the International Day for the Eradication of Violence against Women, 25 November, the World Council of Churches (WCC) announced a series of Lenten study resources for congregations and individuals who want to do their bit to end violence against women. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Info-09-03.html Info Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:14:53 PM +0100 Internationally renowned ecumenical leader Rev. Dr Philip Potter will be in Geneva for a series of events on 27-29 November. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-37.html Featuredov ia humanrights latinamerica Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:59:19 +0100 For nearly four hours, church activists participating in the World Council of Churches' (WCC) United Nations Advocacy Week meetings in New York delved deeply into the tragedies and injustices of the current bloody conflict in Colombia. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-84.html Newsecumenism theology Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:04:16 +0100 "Telling Peace" is a collection of liturgical resources for the four Sundays of Advent. It is the second in a series of collections from different regions of the world, prepared in the framework of the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation 2011. This year's resources, including four complete worship orders, liturgical texts and songs, come from Asia. You can listen to the songs and download the tunes and music scores for free from the WCC website. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-83.html Newsdov ia accompaniment middleeast Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:36:13 +0100 Churches and other ecumenical partners of the World Council of Churches (WCC) have received an appeal to "mobilize their members and the public" in resistance to Israel's approval for the construction of 900 new housing units in the Gilo settlement on traditionally Palestinian land in East Jerusalem. The WCC general secretary, the Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, called on organizations related to the Council "to act with resolve, in concert," with the intention "to reverse this decision of the Israeli government and the settlement programme it represents." http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-82.html Newsdov ia humanrights middleeast Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:19:41 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) has asked the United Nations secretary-general to make sure that recommendations of a key report about war crimes committed during the conflict between Israeli and Palestinian armed forces in Gaza at the beginning of 2009 are properly followed up. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-36.html Featureenvironment northamerica pacific Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:22:53 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) United Nations Advocacy Week came with a bit of good news and bad news on climate change. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-35.html Featureorthodoxparticipation romancatholic health Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:07:53 +0100 The rapidly developing field of stem cell research mobilizes immense amounts of money in private and public grants. But it also raises deep ethical questions regarding health justice and the dignity of human life. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-34.html Featuretheology latinamerica Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:46:46 +0100 Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, twenty years ago, many critics have been quick to sign liberation theology's death certificate. Most of them did so because they understood it to be an apology of bygone Soviet-style socialism. It seems, though, that this death certificate has been issued prematurely. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-79.html Newsrelations environment regions africa asia europe latinamerica middleeast northamerica pacific Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:55:00 +0100 As nations are spelling out their bargaining positions for the negotiations on a new international climate deal to take place in Copenhagen next month, churches around the world are trying to ring home the message that climate protection is an ethical and spiritual issue. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-80.html Newsdov ia asia northamerica Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:35:07 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) has urged the United States of America and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to hold bilateral talks within the context of resumed Six-Party Talks on North Korea's nuclear programme. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-78.html Newsglobalization environment asia pacific Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:49:45 +0100 Resettlement of people displaced by the consequences of climate change was highlighted as a major concern for churches at a gathering of ecumenical representatives from Asia and the Pacific region. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-77.html Newstheology ia environment indigenous africa asia latinamerica Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:21:59 +0100 Church representatives from around the world will gather in New York City 15-20 November to press three issues within the agenda of the United Nations: peoples being displaced by climate change, indigenous people's rights and Colombia's protracted internal conflict. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-76.html News Thu, 5 Nov 2009 14:18:04 +0100 Twenty years ago in East Germany, "Christian hope and perseverance contributed significantly to the fall of the Berlin Wall", said World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-32.html Featureecumenism jpc europe Thu, 5 Nov 2009 14:12:02 +0100 The opening or fall of the Berlin Wall was an unexpected event for the people most directly affected, but even more so for the world at large. The ecumenical movement was no exception. However, the events in 1989 East Germany were to have a wide and long lasting impact on it that can still be felt today. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-33.html Featurejpc africa europe latinamerica Thu, 5 Nov 2009 13:15:00 +0100 The political and social shock waves caused by weeks of pro-democracy protests in East Germany and then the fall of the Berlin Wall on 9 November 1989, were felt around the world. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-75.html Newsdov ia europe northamerica Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:22:10 +0100 "Now is the time to continue the trend" toward nuclear disarmament, four global, regional and national ecumenical organizations told leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the European Union, the United States and Russia. "The present opportunity must be transformed into conclusive actions." http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-74.html Newsdov ia latinamerica Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:41:26 +0100 An international ecumenical delegation has urged stronger action against human rights abuses in Honduras at a meeting with the general secretary of the Organization of American States (OAS) and representatives of the U.S. State Department in Washington, 22-23 October. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-73.html Newsecumenism latinamerica Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:33:46 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia has congratulated Rev. Martin Junge on his 26 October election as general secretary of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). Expressing "joy and encouragement" at the election of the Chilean theologian to the LWF's chief executive post, Kobia called him a "champion of lively partnerships in the quest for Christian unity and the building of human community". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-72.html Newsrelations ia asia Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:22:51 +0100 Nearly 140 leaders from the world's churches, North and South Koreans among them, have called for the formation of an inter-Korean confederation even before complete reunification of Korea can take place. Agreement was reached at the close of a three-day meeting in Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong where the Christian leaders expressed unrelenting hope for peace and reconciliation among Koreans, despite the stark realities of the ongoing division of the Korean peninsula. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-71.html Newsrelations ia asia Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:33:43 +0100 If there were an easy path toward the reunification of Korea, it might have been discovered during the past 25 years or at least since the Cold War ended in the late 1980s. But it hasn't been found yet. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-69.html Newsrelations ia asia Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:07:03 +0100 In a momentary foretaste of Korean reunification, two Korean pastors - one from the north, one from the south - bridged more than 60 years of separation in jointly presiding over a celebration of the Eucharist during a worship service commemorating more than 25 years of work toward bringing peace and reconciliation to the divided Korean peninsula. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-70.html Newsrelations humanrights latinamerica northamerica Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:00:00 +0100 An emergency delegation of international Christians leaders, representing the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the National Council of Churches of Christ of the USA, will arrive in Washington, DC today to advocate for the cessation of widespread human rights violations in Honduras, a country torn apart by a coup d’état staged on June 28, 2009. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-68.html Newsrelations ia asia Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:35:38 +0100 In a recent meeting with a delegation from the World Council of Churches (WCC) visiting Pyongyang, North Korean president Kim Yong-nam said a significant impetus to solving the nuclear weapons stand-off in the region would be for North Korea and the U.S. to meet “face-to-face with each other”. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-67.html Newstheology relationswithnonmember ia mission asia Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:05:35 +0100 Using a reference from I Corinthians 12, the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary the Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia told nearly 200 church members at Bong Soo Church in Pyongyang, North Korea that the "Church is one body in Christ". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-66.html Newstheology relations youth asia Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:01:32 +0100 The president of the China Christian Council (CCC), the Rev. Gao Feng, has told World Council of Churches (WCC) representatives visiting Beijing that the churches in China face several significant challenges in the future, including the strengthening of theological education, reaching out to youth and social work. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-65.html Newsperspectives relations orthodoxparticipation relationswithnonmember romancatholic youth Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:30:31 +0100 The Joint Working Group (JWG) between the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) and the World Council of Churches (WCC) held its annual meeting in Cordoba, Spain, 12-19 October 2009. It concentrated its work on Spiritual Roots of Ecumenism, and on how to ensure that ecumenical achievements of many years are properly received by the churches. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-64.html Newsdov ia asia Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:55:07 +0100 Amidst the growing tensions and diplomatic negotiations among various countries within the Six Party Talks on peace and security on the Korean peninsula, the general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, will be making a pastoral visit to the churches in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) this week. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-31.html Featuredov humanrights women racism asia Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0100 On a dimly lit balcony in Delhi, the mosquitoes begin to close in. I am talking to the man who Outlook magazine – one of the top-selling English news magazines in India – named among the 25 most influential Indians without wealth or official power last year, and so it is perhaps unsurprising that his concentration is not distracted by a few mosquitoes. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-63.html Newslatinamerica Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:34:21 +0100 The Rev. Dr Emilio Castro was decorated today by the government of the Republic of Chile. The honour recognizes his contribution to the defense of human rights in this South American country during the 1980s. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-62.html Newsecumenism theology Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:49:00 +0100 The Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting, which took place in Kolympari, Crete, 7-13 October 2009, has come to an end. Participants noted an emerging coherence between the three current studies on Nature and Mission of the Church, Sources of Authority and Moral Discernment in the Churches. A tendency to give more space to an "ecclesiology from below" based on the concrete experience of "being church in a particular context", rather than describing the church theoretically "from above", was encouraged. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-30.html Featuretheology Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:36:00 +0100 Why do some Christians support one position on a public issue while other Christians defend the opposing viewpoint? How do some churches come to adopt a particular moral stance, yet other church bodies disagree with that conclusion? Can Christianity avoid divisions within and among churches over such conflicts? http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-29.html Featuretheology romancatholic Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:35:12 +0100 Recommendations to extend and expand a consultation process on "The Nature and Mission of the Church" emerged from 12 small groups reviewing the text of that title on the final day of a 7-13 October meeting of the Faith and Order Plenary Commission at the Orthodox Academy of Crete in Kolympari, Greece. The groups' proposals will be forwarded to the smaller Faith and Order Standing Commission and to officials of the World Council of Churches (WCC), which the Plenary Commission serves as an advisory body. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-61.html Newsdov women racism asia Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:18:55 +0100 Laws designed to empower and protect women in India have been described as “toothless” by activists who have spoken out against the government’s failure to implement them. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-28.html Featuretheology orthodoxparticipation Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:08:44 +0100 "The search for Christian unity is very costly, as well as slow and painful," says Metropolitan Gennadios of Sassima, of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. "And yet there is hope for the quest of church unity by God's grace." http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-27.html Featuretheology orthodoxparticipation Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:20:15 +0100 Analysis of the churches' sources of authority is a subject of immediate concern in the quest for Christian unity. "Authority" in the church is a concept that has divided Christians. Some traditions see Scripture alone as the unparalleled authority for faith and life, others appeal to particular authors, creeds and confessions, while still others look to a council, church hierarchy or a single office as the authoritative interpreter of dogma. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-60.html Newsdov environment northamerica Sat, 10 Oct 2009 21:22:47 +0100 In a congratulation letter to the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and United States President Barack Obama, the World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia highlighted Obama's "deep commitment to promote peace and reconciliation in today's troubled world" demonstrated by his policies on nuclear non-proliferation, disarmament and curbing greenhouse gas emissions as well as his "eagerness for easing conflicts with Islamic nations". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-26.html Featureecumenism perspectives theology relations orthodoxparticipation relationswithnonmember romancatholic pentecostal africa asia europe latinamerica middleeast northamerica pacific Sat, 10 Oct 2009 17:26:14 +0100 Is there real potential for visible unity among today's churches, or are cultural and dogmatic differences too great to be overcome? These were key issues raised on Friday 9 October in five presentations at the Faith and Order conference in Kolympari, Greece. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-23.html Featureperspectives theology Fri, 9 Oct 2009 09:15:01 +0100 "We must find a way to build on what we have achieved, or else it will evaporate", warned Mary Tanner, a former moderator of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Faith and Order Commission. Suggesting that she might be considered a "grandmother of Faith and Order", Tanner reviewed highlights of the quest for unity since the early 1900s, and she recalled an exhortation from the most recent World Conference on Faith and Order in 1993: "There is no turning back from either the goal of visible unity or from the single ecumenical movement that unites concerns for the unity of the Church and concern for the engagement in the struggles of the world." http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-59.html Newstheology orthodoxparticipation Wed, 7 Oct 2009 17:38:07 +0100 Because unity is finally a gift of God, "it demands a profound sense of humility and not any prideful insistence." With this call to the "never-ending search" for unity of the church, which "is also an ever-unfolding journey", Patriarch Bartholomew I opened the 7-14 October meeting of the Faith and Order Plenary Commission, in Kolympari, Crete, Greece. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-58.html Newsrelief asia Wed, 7 Oct 2009 16:43:43 +0100 Christian villagers are rebuilding their lives and relationships more than a year after being attacked by a group of Hindu extremists in the eastern Indian state of Orissa. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-22.html Feature Thu, 1 Oct 2009 18:35:32 +0100 Seventeen years after the war ended in Mozambique, churches are still collecting and destroying weapons and cleaning up areas of unexploded ordnance so the land can be farmed. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-57.html Newsinterreligious Thu, 1 Oct 2009 18:25:19 +0100 World Council of Churches (WCC) current and incoming general secretaries have highlighted honesty in dialogue as the basis of meaningful interfaith encounters. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-56.html Newsracism asia Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:16:53 +0100 As the United Nations has made a small but significant step forward towards declaring caste-based discrimination a human rights violation, Indian Christian leaders have called on the churches to confess that the caste system is still being practised also within them. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-55.html Newstheology orthodoxparticipation romancatholic pentecostal europe Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:49:19 +0100 Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I will open the meeting of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission on Faith and Order, which will take place in Kolympari, Crete, Greece, from 7 to 14 October 2009. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-54.html Newsrelations asia Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:31:20 +0100 Korean churches already experience the positive impact of hosting the 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Busan in 2013. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-53.html News Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:00:38 +0100 On the eve of the G20 summit in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (USA), World Council of Churches (WCC) president from North America, Rev. Dr Bernice Powell Jackson will join more than 25 Christian, Jewish and Islamic religious leaders from the United States at a 22-23 September Faith Leaders Summit to press for actions – not just words – that will help hungry and poor people lift themselves out of poverty. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-52.html Newsdov interreligious asia Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:25:11 +0100 A team of church representatives from Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia will pay a solidarity visit to churches, ecumenical organizations and civil society movements in India from 21 to 27 September. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-21.html Featuredov africa Wed, 9 Sep 2009 14:19:19 +0100 With recent action by Africa a majority of the world's countries have now banned nuclear weapons from their national territory for the first time. The change happened when an all-Africa treaty entered into force in July. International civil society organizations including the World Council of Churches (WCC) played a catalytic role. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-CC2009.html News Thu, 3 Sep 2009 05:52:30 PM +0100 http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-09-22.html Central committee releaseecumenism africa asia europe latinamerica middleeast northamerica pacific Thu, 3 Sep 2009 17:46:52 +0100 The election of a new general secretary for the organization and the selection of the venue for its next assembly were highlights of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Central Committee meeting that ended yesterday in Geneva, Switzerland. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-09-21.html Central committee releasehumanrights women africa Wed, 2 Sep 2009 19:10:18 +0100 The Central Committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC) urged its member churches "to publicly condemn violence against women" in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and declare that "violence against women is a sin". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-09-20.html Central committee releaserelations Wed, 2 Sep 2009 18:27:28 +0100 As the World Council of Churches (WCC) prepares for a new general secretary in January 2010 and its 10th Assembly in 2013, it also faces some financial challenges because of reduced income from donors, member churches and fluctuations in exchange rates. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-09-19.html Central committee releaseia middleeast Wed, 2 Sep 2009 13:37:31 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) Central Committee called on the Israeli government to freeze and begin to dismantle settlements in occupied Palestinian territories. It also encouraged a commitment to non-violence and peace negotiations, and reiterated the need for an international boycott of products and services from settlements. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-09-18.html Central committee releasejpc environment latinamerica Wed, 2 Sep 2009 12:56:56 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) Central Committee adopted a "Statement on eco-justice and ecological debt" on Wednesday, 2 September. The statement proposes that Christians have a deep moral obligation to promote ecological justice by addressing our debts to peoples most affected by ecological destruction and to the earth itself. The statement addresses ecological debt and includes hard economic calculations as well as biblical, spiritual, cultural and social dimensions of indebtedness. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-09-17.html Central committee releaserelations africa Wed, 2 Sep 2009 11:04:44 +0100 Rev. Dr Solomon Zwana, new general secretary of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, says his organization and his country need the prayers and support of the world. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-09-16.html Central committee releaseperspectives dov youth Wed, 2 Sep 2009 09:56:29 +0100 Young people have spent years knocking at the door of the World Council of Churches, seeking greater involvement in the life of the organization. In the past few years, that door has opened further. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-09-15.html Central committee releaserelations humanrights interreligious asia Tue, 1 Sep 2009 17:05:22 +0100 The WCC Central Committee called on the government of Pakistan to “guarantee the rights of all religious minorities in the country”. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-09-14.html Central committee releaseia humanrights interreligious africa Tue, 1 Sep 2009 16:21:41 +0100 The World Council of Churches Central Committee again took up the issue of Sudan at meetings in Geneva this week, issuing a “Statement on the Darfur crisis in the context of Sudan”. Since early 2003, the statement says, “the conflict in Darfur has unleashed an overwhelming wave of violence resulting in the death of hundreds of thousands of civilians and an immense humanitarian crisis”. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-09-13.html Central committee releaserelations relationswithnonmember interreligious asia Tue, 1 Sep 2009 15:52:22 +0100 A beachfront location, an opportunity to be a witness for peace and reconciliation, and a commitment to engage the breadth of the region’s church community as widely as possible: these are among the features those attending the World Council of Churches’ 10th Assembly in Busan, South Korea can expect. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-09-12.html Central committee releasedov africa asia Tue, 1 Sep 2009 14:05:05 +0100 If someone has a headache, they usually take an aspirin or other pain reliever. If someone has a cut, they might put a Band-Aid on it, or get stitches. Other types of pain and wounds, however, often are not so easily cared for. How does one care for people who have lost their homes or their families? What does one say to a fellow Christian who is suffering? How is God’s love communicated amid violence? http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-09-11.html Central committee releaseecumenism relations orthodoxparticipation relationswithnonmember asia Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:11:00 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) Central Committee voted today to hold the 10th WCC Assembly in Busan, Republic of Korea in 2013. The decision was taken by secret ballot and decided in one round. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-09-10.html Central committee releasejpc globalization environment water indigenous latinamerica Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:04:29 +0100 “Nature is our home,” said Dr. Maria Sumire Conde from the Quecha community of Peru. She says some of those who have come there, however, have not been good guests. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-09-09.html Central committee releaseenvironment latinamerica middleeast pacific Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:57:22 +0100 How does the church interact with a rapidly changing society? On 31 August, members of the World Council of Churches central committee spent much of the morning discussing this question in a pair of plenary sessions in Geneva. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-09-08.html Central committee releaseperspectives theology regions Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:37:18 +0100 With prayers, singing, gifts and speeches of thanks, the World Council of Churches (WCC) Central Committee offered its farewell to outgoing general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia on Sunday 30 August. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-09-07.html Central committee releaseperspectives relationswithnonmember romancatholic interreligious environment europe Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:48:09 +0100 World Council of Churches general secretary-elect Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit was asked on Friday to outline his vision for the organization. He didn’t have to look far for inspiration. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-09-06.html Central committee release Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:27:35 +0100 http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-09-05.html Central committee releasedov africa europe latinamerica Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:02:52 +0100 “Tears are not enough.” Fernando Enns spoke that phrase in introductory remarks to the World Council of Churches central committee on 28 Aug. It was repeated several times during a morning plenary session on the WCC’s upcoming International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC). http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-09-04.html Central committee release Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:44:52 +0100 Norwegian theologian and pastor Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, 48, was elected 7th general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Thursday 27 August during its Central Committee meeting. Tveit will be the youngest general secretary since Willem A. Visser 't Hooft who had led the WCC while it was in process of formation and following its founding assembly 61 years ago. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-09-03.html Central committee releaseafrica asia middleeast Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:15:45 +0100 Central committee members will choose between three potential sites for the 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, to be held in 2013: Busan, South Korea; Damascus, Syria; and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-09-02.html Central committee releaseperspectives africa asia middleeast Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:54:54 +0100 Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia sounded notes of hope as he delivered his final address as general secretary to the World Council of Churches central committee on 26 August. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-09-01.html Central committee releaseperspectives Wed, 26 Aug 2009 18:20:43 +0100 Rev. Dr Walter Altmann, in his moderator’s address at the start of the World Council of Churches central committee meeting in Geneva on 26 August, said that the WCC – as well as the world at large – stands “at a crossroads in the present”. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-51.html Newsecumenism Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:59:05 +0100 Visitors to the website of the World Council of Churches (WCC) are now being welcomed by a fresh, simplified look and a new homepage, designed to give an immediate feel of the identity and values of the organization. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-20.html Featuredov women africa Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:33:07 +0100 The armed conflict in Angola ended seven years ago, but the consequences of four decades of war are felt still today. And women seem to be bearing most of the brunt. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-19.html Featuredov africa Tue, 18 Aug 2009 09:06:51 +0100 Any solution to the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) must engage the whole nation - not just the eastern region where violence is centred, a small ecumenical team visiting the Bas Congo and Kasai Oriental provinces has learned. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-18.html Featureinterreligious youth Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:37:32 +0100 Religious diversity is an unavoidable reality today - and an opportunity, according to the participants of an interfaith seminar held in July at the World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Institute at Bossey outside Geneva, Switzerland. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-50.html Newshumanrights latinamerica Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:47:51 +0100 An international ecumenical team that visited Honduras on behalf of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Latin American Council of Churches (CLAI) has encouraged the churches in Honduras to "accompany the people in their search for peace with justice and the re-establishment of democracy". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-17.html Featureorthodoxparticipation women latinamerica Wed, 5 Aug 2009 15:02:34 +0100 The more radical social and political changes are, the more likely they are to bring out tension amongst social actors. It is in a context such as this - a Living Letters delegation visiting Bolivia in mid July heard - that Bolivian churches struggle to overcome violence in society. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-49.html Newshumanrights africa Tue, 4 Aug 2009 16:34:41 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia urged the Nigerian President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua to "ensure the safety of all citizens" as well as seeing that "all perpetrators [of] acts of violence and human rights violations are brought to justice". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-48.html Newsdov humanrights asia Mon, 3 Aug 2009 16:38:25 +0100 The World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia appealed to Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari to "ensure the safety and security" of Christians in the Punjab province, where three attacks against Christian communities were carried by militant Islamic groups in the last two months. He demanded that the government "take necessary actions against the perpetrators". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-47.html Newsyouth Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:21:57 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) will welcome five young people (aged 18-30 years) to serve as interns in its Geneva offices from February 2010 to January 2011. Interns bring valuable experiences to the WCC at the same time as they undertake several modules of ecumenical learning. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-16.html Featuredov relief africa Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:14:29 +0100 Anna Muinonen is the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) programme coordinator for FinnChurchAid, a member of Action by Churches Together (ACT) International providing emergency relief to victims of the long running conflict in the Central African country. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-15.html Featuredov women africa Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:03:49 +0100 There is much hope in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that the guns will soon fall silent. But the trail of human rights abuses the combatants leave behind compels the churches to intervene. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-14.html Featuredov africa Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:12:41 +0100 From the smallest village to the biggest town in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) people are yearning for peace. Church leaders encourage the rebel fighters to disarm. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-46.html Newsdov africa Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:20:23 +0100 A team of church representatives from Portugal, Switzerland and Brazil is paying a solidarity visit to churches, ecumenical organizations and civil society organizations in Angola and Mozambique from 18 to 28 July. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-13.html Featuredov women youth latinamerica Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:19:00 +0100 Dispelling the myth of "a little peaceful country", an international ecumenical Living Letters team visited Uruguay and discovered how violence manifests itself at the levels of family life, the state and youth, and how the churches in this South American country seek to overcome it. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-45.html Newsdov women africa Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:31:17 +0100 In a speech in Kinshasa on 13 July, Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, the general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), challenged churches to end their denial of violence against women. "The churches still seem to relegate violence to the private sphere, and still understand violence as only physical," he said. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-43.html Newsdov africa latinamerica Tue, 7 Jul 2009 15:26:05 +0100 A team of church representatives from Europe, Latin America and Africa will pay a solidarity visit to churches, ecumenical organizations and civil society movements in Uruguay and Bolivia from 9 to 16 July. A second team will visit the Democratic Republic of Congo at the same time. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-44.html Newsdov ia europe northamerica Tue, 7 Jul 2009 12:05:00 +0100 The United States' and Russia's public commitment to cut back their stockpiles of strategic nuclear weapons "is an encouraging initiative and a step forward on the difficult but essential journey that the world must take to free itself from the spectre of self-destruction," the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia said in a statement published 7 July. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-42.html Newsweekly ecumenism Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:43:45 +0100 The World Council of Churches' search committee for a general secretary met 23-26 June 2009 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The committee was elected by the Central Committee in February 2008 and led by the moderator, Dr Agnes Abuom. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-41.html Newsracism Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:50:40 +0100 "We believe that this is a moment where we are invited by God to commit ourselves to be instruments of change in the church and the wider society," participants in an international conference on "Churches against Racism" have said, 17 June. The message was read in the presence of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands during a closing worship service. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-40.html Newsracism europe Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:54:52 +0100 In a worship service opening the "Churches against Racism" conference in Doorn, Netherlands, 14-17 June, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia said the Bible was the "ultimate immigration handbook". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-38.html Newsperspectives theology relations orthodoxparticipation relationswithnonmember romancatholic pentecostal europe Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:01:00 +0100 An upcoming meeting of 120 theologians from nearly all Christian traditions will be looking at what churches consider to be their mission in the world and how they come to decisions on theological, ecumenical or moral questions. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-39.html Newsdov humanrights indigenous latinamerica Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:58:56 +0100 The recent incidents of violence in Bagua, Peru are "but one instance of a series of government actions to abrogate the rights of the Indigenous peoples of the Peruvian Amazon over land and resources", stated the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia in a 9 June letter to President Alan García Pérez. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-37.html Newsdov accompaniment middleeast Mon, 8 Jun 2009 15:26:57 +0100 Change is in the air as churches in many parts of the world hold a "World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel" that began on 4 June 2009. New voices are advocating steps toward peace that churches have been promoting for years. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-36.html Newsindigenous racism europe Thu, 4 Jun 2009 14:18:17 +0100 The Dutch queen will be the guest of honour at a conference seeking to take on the legacy of the World Council of Churches' (WCC) historic anti-racism efforts. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-35.html Newsecumenism Thu, 4 Jun 2009 11:50:10 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) officers who are meeting in Geneva this week have expressed concern and regret over the release of a short list of candidates reportedly being considered for WCC general secretary. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-12.html Featuretheology relations orthodoxparticipation europe Wed, 3 Jun 2009 16:02:01 +0100 Sister Pina Sandu says that in her Orthodox monastery, in the mountains of Romania, they practise "touristic spirituality". With a resort built up around the monastery, "like it or not" the tourists "hear the bells, hear the services three times a day… They hear, they feel, they know that something is happening." As a result, their curiosity leads them into the yard and into the church – "small, sure steps towards something beautiful." http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-27.html Newsecumenism Thu, 28 May 2009 10:52:00 +0100 The year 2009 began with grave concern about the catastrophic economic situation of the world of wealth. Towards the end of 2008, in the midst of a life that to many was apparently without problems, disastrous financial and economic difficulties suddenly came to light. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-33.html Newsdov ia accompaniment middleeast Wed, 27 May 2009 15:23:27 +0100 Australia is focusing on Gaza, Austria has town pilgrimages. Brazil has seminary students debating conflict over "holy" land. Canadians, Scots, Norwegians, British and French are making contact with lawmakers. Directors of church-related aid agencies are visiting Israeli and Palestinian partner organizations. And on the high Wall that hems in Bethlehem, Palestinians are "showing" prayers at night. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-34.html Newstheology relations Wed, 27 May 2009 08:20:00 +0100 The hope that all Christians will be able to celebrate Easter on the same day in the future was reaffirmed by an international ecumenical seminar organized by the Institute of Ecumenical Studies at the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv, 15 May. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-11.html Featuredov accompaniment middleeast Tue, 26 May 2009 11:41:16 +0100 Its population may be dwindling, but the Palestinian village of Taybeh is striving to maintain normality in the midst of conflict, and hope in the midst of oppression. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-32.html Newsdov ia Mon, 25 May 2009 16:04:21 +0100 At a time when the international community is re-kindling the vision of a world free of nuclear weapons, the North Korean nuclear test is a source of profound concern, stated the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-10.html Featurehealth Wed, 20 May 2009 14:51:46 +0100 What do you think about when you hear the word "health"? A doctor with a stethoscope, lab testing tubes, coloured pills? Wrong answer, grassroots health activists say. You should be thinking first of clean drinking water, nutritious food, a safe work environment and essential health care made accessible at the community level. Yes, even in times of influenza A. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-31.html Newsdov interreligious asia Mon, 18 May 2009 13:46:29 +0100 According to an Indian church worker, the violence against Christians in the Indian state of Orissa last year was not a one-time event but the consequence of a fragmented society. However, the results of the recent general elections are heartening. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-09.html Featuremission Thu, 14 May 2009 15:17:37 +0100 As the centennial of a landmark mission event approaches in 2010, a global study process is mobilizing churches, theological institutions and mission bodies around the world. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-29.html Newsindigenous Wed, 13 May 2009 15:14:23 +0100 "Being indigenous peoples is not about wearing colourful garments but about being engaged in the political struggle towards an alternative to the current, crisis-laden model of civilization", says María Chávez, an indigenous person from Bolivia who is a consultant for indigenous issues at the World Council of Churches (WCC). http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-28.html Newsdov humanrights accompaniment Wed, 13 May 2009 11:19:28 +0100 In spite of a global trend to better recognize the right to conscientious objection – which is marked with an International Day on 15 May – those who exercise that right are often discriminated against, persecuted, repeatedly punished or sent to prison in many countries, first results of a study being conducted by the World Council of Churches (WCC) show. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-26.html Newsdov accompaniment middleeast Tue, 5 May 2009 11:53:04 +0100 World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel, 4-10 June 2009 is intended to generate joint church action for a just peace. Churches in 20 countries have already sent news of their plans to the convenors, the World Council of Churches (WCC). A Palestinian community organization is offering a way for many more countries to join – by sending peace prayers to Bethlehem. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-25.html Newshumanrights asia Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:27:56 +0100 Claims made by the Philippines government to a good human rights track record "are utterly false", Rev. Berlin Guerrero told the United Nations Committee against Torture this week. A victim of torture himself, Guerrero said the government of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is "remiss in its responsibility to prevent torture". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-08.html Featuredov accompaniment middleeast Wed, 29 Apr 2009 08:47:41 +0100 "A land is nothing without people, and people are nothing without a land." That's the maxim followed by Palestinian farmer Daoud Nassar. And when he speaks of the intimate connection between people and their land, he is talking from hard-won experience. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-24.html Newsia racism asia Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:00:00 +0100 Two global church organizations have congratulated the Durban Review Conference on the adoption of its outcome document, while regretting that the latter makes no mention of the plight of hundreds of millions of people affected by caste-based discrimination. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-23.html Newsasia Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:35:55 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia has urged the government of Sri Lanka to immediately release from detention Santha Fernando, an ecumenical official who has been under arrest for nearly a month. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-07.html Featureracism asia Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:36:01 +0100 Caste-based discrimination in India may be 3,500 years old, but something new is unfolding. An emerging liberation movement has consciously chosen not to focus on Dalits' victimhood, but on the latent strength of the Dalit people, drawn from their own history and culture. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-22.html Newsasia Thu, 9 Apr 2009 08:50:18 +0100 An international ecumenical consultation has appealed to the government of Sri Lanka and the rebel movement Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to halt fighting in order to free tens of thousands of civilians trapped in a war zone in the north of the country. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-06.html Featureracism asia Thu, 9 Apr 2009 08:01:00 +0100 When Elske van Gorkum took up her first job in a Dalit community in India, her hosts could hardly believe what they heard when she said there were no castes in her native Netherlands. "For them, a society without castes is unthinkable," van Gorkum says, "but coming from an egalitarian society, I also had difficulty at first understanding 'untouchability'." http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-05.html Featuredov relations accompaniment middleeast Thu, 2 Apr 2009 11:03:11 +0100 Churches around the world must speak out and act for justice in Israel and Palestine, church leaders told members of an ecumenical delegation visiting the region from 7 to 14 March. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-21.html Newsracism asia Thu, 2 Apr 2009 10:27:00 +0100 Church leaders and human rights advocates seek to further internationalize the struggle to overcome caste-based discrimination, a 3,500-year old scourge that affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide. The UN anti-racism review conference to take place in Geneva in late April will be the first test of this strategy. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-20.html Newsia Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:49:59 +0100 A world without nuclear weapons is not only possible but more secure, leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have been told by a coalition of national, regional and global councils of churches. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-19.html Newsglobalization Mon, 30 Mar 2009 11:58:04 +0100 The current global financial crisis must be more than just an occasion for "short term financial bail out actions." It must be viewed as an opportunity to seek "long term transformation based on sound ethical and moral principles". As a result, a "new financial architecture" should be developed "under the aegis of the United Nations where broad participation of all countries and the civil society could take place". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-18.html Newshumanrights environment water Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:31:42 +0100 Governments, civil society organizations and Christian agencies have expressed their disappointment that the ministerial declaration adopted at the World Water Forum in Istanbul does not include a reconfirmation of water as a human right. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-04.html Featurehumanrights racism asia Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:24:20 +0100 Recounting stories such as the alleged forced poisoning of a young couple, speakers at the Global Ecumenical Conference on Justice for Dalits which opened in Bangkok, Thailand, on 21 March gave a face to the 3,500-year-old system of caste-based discrimination, detailing practices many would consider unthinkable in the 21st century. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-17.html Newshumanrights racism asia Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:22:18 +0100 "The suffering and injustice experienced by millions of Dalit people and communities is a challenge to the credibility of the churches' affirmations of faith in India and worldwide," according to Rev. Deenabandhu Manchala who heads the World Council of Churches (WCC) Just and Inclusive Communities Programme. Manchala was speaking on the eve of the "Global Ecumenical Conference on Justice for Dalits" which will take place from 21 to 24 March 2009 in Bangkok, Thailand, at the joint initiative of the WCC and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-16.html Newsia interreligious Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:36:35 +0100 Some forty-five religious, interfaith, and value-based organizations from five continents agreed to form a coalition to advance a "United Nations Decade for Inter-religious and Intercultural Dialogue, Understanding, and Cooperation for Peace." Coalition members expressed the hope that the UN Sixty-Fourth General Assembly, which will begin its deliberations in September 2009, will approve a resolution establishing such a decade from 2011-2020. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Info-09-02.html Info Thu, 5 Mar 2009 12:07:20 PM +0100 During her first visit to Geneva since she was elected to succeed Chiara Lubich at the helm of the worldwide Focolare movement, Maria Emmaus Voce will visit the Ecumenical Centre and the World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Institute in Bossey on 8-9 March. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-15.html Newsdov humanrights accompaniment interreligious education middleeast Thu, 5 Mar 2009 16:42:00 +0100 Peace-building initiatives and housing and education issues will be highlighted when a team of ecumenical representatives from around the world visits churches, ecumenical organizations and civil society movements in Israel and Palestine from 7 to 14 March. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-15.html Newsdov humanrights accompaniment interreligious middleeast Thu, 5 Mar 2009 15:56:00 +0100 Peace-building initiatives and housing and education issues will be highlighted when a team of ecumenical representatives from around the world visits churches, ecumenical organizations and civil society movements in Israel and Palestine from 7 to 14 March. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-14.html Newsia women northamerica Tue, 3 Mar 2009 10:14:32 +0100 Roughly one in ten women attending the 53rd session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women is part of Ecumenical Women, an international coalition of churches and ecumenical organizations. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-13.html Newsdov jpc Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:11:22 +0100 The contribution and role of churches in reconciliation processes around the world were highlighted by an international ecumenical panel of experts at a public hearing held in Geneva, Switzerland, on 19 February. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-12.html Newstheology education asia Tue, 24 Feb 2009 17:17:10 +0100 In one of the most far-reaching theological curriculum reforms worldwide, the Senate of Serampore College in Madurai, India has developed a curriculum based on three pillars: contextual education, interdisciplinary dialogue and social relevance. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-11.html Newsecumenism theology women africa middleeast Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:11:55 +0100 Conflicts in Congo and Gaza, recognition of the International Year of Reconciliation, the impact of the global economic crisis on the WCC budget and an update on the election of a new general secretary were topics of discussion and action by the WCC Executive Committee which met in Bossey, Switzerland, 17 to 20 February 2009. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-10.html Newstheology water Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:04:34 +0100 As the season of Lent draws near, the Ecumenical Water Network (EWN) invites Christians to mark the occasion with reflection and action on water justice. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-03.html Featurehealth globalization Thu, 19 Feb 2009 10:38:35 +0100 How economies will fare after the current financial seism has passed will depend very much on how governments and civil society are able to care for the welfare and health of their people during the crisis. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-09.html Newsia interreligious middleeast Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:05:54 +0100 Representatives of churches in Iraq confirmed their commitment to work together with all Iraqi citizens for reconciliation and rebuilding peace in the country. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-02.html Featureglobalization relief africa Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:10:17 +0100 As the global financial system falters, many civil society and church activists see the crisis as an opportunity to press for long-overdue, radical reforms. The first opportunity for them to do so will come in early April, when the G20 will meet in London. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Info-09-01.html Info Wed, 11 Feb 2009 05:19:01 PM +0100 A public hearing on Thursday, 19 February, will highlight the churches' contribution to the International Year of Reconciliation proclaimed by the United Nations for 2009. The hearing will feature a panel of Christian experts on peace and reconciliation processes. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-08.html Newsecumenism relations regions Fri, 6 Feb 2009 13:43:03 +0100 The selection process for a new World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary is well "on course", according to Dr Agnes Abuom, who moderates the search committee and is a member of the WCC Central Committee. The deadline for applications is 28 February 2009. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-07.html Newsorthodoxparticipation europe Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:48:48 +0100 In a letter congratulating Metropolitan Kyrill of Smolensk and Kaliningrad on his election as the new patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia expressed the appreciation of the worlwide ecumenical fellowship for this "outstanding Orthodox theologian, leader and hierarch". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-09-01.html Featuredov ia environment africa latinamerica middleeast Tue, 27 Jan 2009 09:18:59 +0100 Prepare for some good news in 2009. Despite the terrible start in Gaza and other endemic conflicts, governments committed to shared security are set to reach an historic milestone this year. Specifically, the number of countries protected by nuclear-weapon-free zones is set to jump to 110 countries from 56 at present. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-06.html Newsglobalization environment latinamerica Mon, 26 Jan 2009 11:47:50 +0100 Are there viable alternatives to the international financial architecture responsible for the current global financial and economical crises? Members of a World Council of Churches (WCC) delegation will explore this issue at this year's World Social Forum. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-05.html Newsinterreligious northamerica Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:55:00 +0100 In her sermon at the first prayer service attended by US President Barack Obama after his inauguration, Rev. Dr Sharon Watkins, general minister and president of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), called on the leader who, she said, would "set the tone" for the nation, to chose compassion, faithfulness and love over vengefulness, anger and fear. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-04.html Newsnorthamerica Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:30:00 +0100 Poverty, violence and war are amongst the "enormous and formidable" challenges of the present time, representatives of member churches of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in the United States have pointed out to President Barack Obama on the occasion of his inauguration. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-03.html Newsdov ia accompaniment middleeast Fri, 9 Jan 2009 14:19:22 +0100 Individuals, groups, churches and councils of churches from Kenya to Sweden to the United States to Australia are carrying out hundreds of advocacy actions involving Christians concerned about the Gaza crisis, especially the collective punishment of the people of Gaza, and the need for a just and lasting peace between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-02.html Newstheology relationswithnonmember Thu, 8 Jan 2009 13:51:14 +0100 Inspired by the witness of churches from a divided country, Christians throughout the world will be praying "that they may become one in God's hand" during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2009. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-09-01.html Newsdov accompaniment middleeast Wed, 7 Jan 2009 15:28:13 +0100 Reiterating its call for a ceasefire in Gaza, the World Council of Churches has appealed to Christians everywhere to pray for peace and to advocate with their governments for a just peace in Israel and Palestine. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-133.html Newsdov accompaniment middleeast Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:00:51 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia has condemned "the violence against Gaza" and called on "governments in the region and abroad" to seek the protection of "those who are at risk [...] on both sides of the border". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-08-28.html Featureperspectives dov environment Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:56:00 +0100 Peace is a way of life, says Rev. Dr Geiko Müller-Fahrenholz, and it is the mission of the churches to bring up new generations of Christians to live out God's peace in all aspects of their lives. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-08-27.html Featuredov latinamerica Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:03:16 +0100 They are called Pueblo Nuevo (new town), Bella Flor (beautiful flower), Nueva Esperanza (new hope), El Tesoro (the treasure). Names that clearly show what "humanitarian zones" mean to the people who live there. Hundreds of families displaced by violence in Colombia's rural areas are trying to rebuild their lives in these zones while at the same time demanding the return of their land. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-08-26.html Featuredov latinamerica Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:22:27 +0100 "Enough is enough! The Colombian people want and deserve peace." With this message, members of a Living Letters team began their journey home after visiting this South American country on behalf of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in early December. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-132.html Newsinterreligious middleeast Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:31:17 +0100 Equal participation and shared responsibility in society are at the basis of a peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims, stated participants at an inter-religious symposium in Tehran, Iran last week. They highlighted the value of learning from each other's faith and criticized "irresponsible media". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-124.html Newsecumenism theology dov relations relationswithnonmember ia interreligious mission education jpc relief regions Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:35:00 +0100 "And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14) http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-131.html News Fri, 12 Dec 2008 13:39:56 +0100 In a statement to the plenary of high-level segment of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Poznan, Poland on Friday, 12 December, a delegation representing the World Council of Churches (WCC) will tell government representatives that a "much more principle-based approach is crucial for reaching an effective and equitable global climate policy regime built on the ethical imperatives of justice, equity and solidarity." http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-08-25.html Featuredov interreligious asia Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:06:00 +0100 Pakistani Christian communities confronted with the presence of the Taliban and Al-Qaida serve their Muslim neighbours in an unfriendly environment. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-130.html News Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:14:00 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) has invited member churches and ecumenical partners to nominate candidates for the position of general secretary of the organization. The deadline for applications is 28 February 2009. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-08-24.html Featuredov latinamerica Tue, 9 Dec 2008 14:14:12 +0100 In Haitian Creole they are called "restaveks" (from French rester avec - to stay with) because they live with a family that is not their own. Rather than foster children, they are like slaves to their host families. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-129.html Newsdov interreligious asia Mon, 8 Dec 2008 15:39:11 +0100 The Mumbai terrorist attacks and an IMF agreement that will negatively impact the poor set the tone for a World Council of Churches (WCC) Living Letters team visit to Pakistan from 24 November to 1 December. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-128.html Newsorthodoxparticipation europe Fri, 5 Dec 2008 15:34:44 +0100 With "deep sadness" the officers of the World Council of Churches (WCC), who were meeting in Geneva this week, received word of the death of the Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia, Alexy II. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-127.html Newsdov latinamerica Thu, 4 Dec 2008 10:19:19 +0100 A team of church representatives from around the world will pay a solidarity visit to churches, ecumenical organizations and civil society movements in Colombia from 6 to 12 December. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-126.html Newstheology relationswithnonmember Thu, 4 Dec 2008 08:02:00 +0100 Rediscovering the testimonies of Christian faith men and women of different Christian traditions gave over the centuries was the goal that brought some eighty participants from a variety of traditions and countries to the Italian monastery of Bose this autumn. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-125.html Newsdov ia Wed, 3 Dec 2008 14:54:58 +0100 The Convention on Cluster Munitions has been welcomed as a "humane and historic victory" by the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia. Commenting on the signing of the convention in Oslo, Norway today, Kobia congratulated the more than 100 signatory countries and reiterated the need for states that have not yet done so - including the United States, Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Israel and Zimbabwe - to "sign and support this timely arms control and humanitarian initiative". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-123.html Newsia humanrights racism relief Mon, 1 Dec 2008 15:34:46 +0100 The myth according to which host countries are "victims" of migration needs to be challenged, as in fact their economies benefit from the exploitation of the migrants' work. This was one of the points made at a meeting convened mid-November by the World Council of Churches (WCC) in New York City, in which speakers condemned the trend to treat migrants as commodities and stressed that migrants are human beings, created in the image of God. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-119.html Newshealth Fri, 28 Nov 2008 16:15:00 +0100 Faith leaders "should shout from the rooftops that AIDS is not a punishment from God but a medical condition which is preventable", the former leader of South Africa's Anglican church, Archbishop Njongo Ndungane, has told the World Aids Campaign. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-122.html Newsweekly globalization relief Fri, 28 Nov 2008 15:29:17 +0100 Radical changes and tangible commitments from world leaders are needed if an equitable and sustainable global economic system is to be built, says an ecumenical delegation attending a UN conference on financing for development starting tomorrow in Qatar. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-121.html Newsdov asia Thu, 27 Nov 2008 15:38:42 +0100 "Deeply shocked and saddened" by the news of yesterday's attacks in Mumbai, the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia has strongly condemned "such wanton acts of terrorism and violence targeting innocent human lives". He also expressed "sincere condolences and sympathy" to victims and families. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-120.html Newsdov latinamerica Thu, 27 Nov 2008 13:58:15 +0100 Education is crucial to grapple with violence, the president of the Protestant Federation of Haiti, Rev. Sylvain Exantus, told an international ecumenical team visiting Haiti from 24 to 28 November. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-118.html Newsdov environment middleeast northamerica Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:36:10 +0100 Leaders and representatives of 24 US churches gathering in Washington, D.C. next week will deliver a message to President-elect Barack Obama, outlining hopes for the new administration in leading the nation forward and working for peace with justice. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-117.html Newsia Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:33:24 +0100 After six days of intense discussions on migration, the conflict in Sri Lanka and climate change, of common prayer and practical efforts to make the voice of the churches on these issues heard at the United Nations, the UN Advocacy Week of the World Council of Churches (WCC) ended with good results on Friday. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-116.html Newsenvironment pacific Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:20:21 +0100 At the 16-21 November United Nations Advocacy Week of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Christians from the Pacific islands have appealed for worldwide solidarity with regard to climate change, a question of life and death in their communities. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-115.html Newsdov latinamerica Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:45:26 +0100 The Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV) sponsored by the World Council of Churches (WCC) has launched its 2009 focus on the Caribbean region with the theme: "One Love: Building a Peaceful Caribbean". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-08-23.html Featuredov ia asia Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:10:18 +0100 In Sri Lanka, the conflict between the army and Tamil rebels has caught the civilian population between a rock and a hard place. Although the world turns a blind eye, Christian global advocates say churches should insist that attention be paid to victims caught in the violence. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-114.html Newsdov latinamerica Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:48:33 +0100 An international ecumenical delegation of church representatives will pay a solidarity visit to churches, ecumenical organizations and civil society movements in Haiti from 24 to 28 November. The team will visit the capital Port-au-Prince and areas affected by recent hurricanes. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-113.html Newsdov asia Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:33:28 +0100 Religious freedom and interreligious dialogue will be on the agenda of an international ecumenical delegation visiting Pakistan from 24 November to 1 December. The group will discuss how churches can help ease political and religions tensions with representatives from churches, the Muslim community and government officials. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-112.html Newstheology accompaniment middleeast Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:17:49 +0100 As many Christians around the world prepare to celebrate Advent and Christmas in the security of their homes and communities, they are invited to pray for justice, peace and security for Palestine and Israel - and to send a prayer or a peace message to Bethlehem (at the following address: aei@p-ol.com). http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-111.html Newsafrica Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:39:30 +0100 Five global ecumenical organizations have called for an effective protection of the right to life, dignity and democracy of the people of Zimbabwe and criticized the stance of the Southern African Development Community on the political deadlock in the country. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-110.html Newsweekly globalization Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:24:31 +0100 As many of those "responsible for the current financial meltdown" meet "behind closed doors in Washington, D.C." to discuss the future of the global economy, the World Council of Churches (WCC) has challenged the legitimacy of the so-called "G20" group of nations and called for broader participation. The international financial architecture needs "a paradigm shift," says the WCC. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-109.html Newsdov africa Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:46:33 +0100 "Please remind the world that we are no longer at war," a high-ranking government official from Sierra Leone told an international ecumenical team visiting churches and ecumenical organizations in Liberia and Sierra Leone from 2 to 8 November. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-108.html Newsia humanrights environment Wed, 12 Nov 2008 08:47:46 +0100 "As Christians, we are called to stand with those who are victims of oppression, poverty or violence," Rev. Elenora Giddings Ivory, director of the World Council of Churches (WCC) programme on Public Witness said in advance of the WCC's United Nations Advocacy Week, 16 to 21 November in New York. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-08-22.html Featureenvironment water Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:33:51 +0100 World cinema's most famous spy is back and this time he fights a villain trying to control strategic water resources in a developing country. Is the script of the latest James Bond movie too far fetched a fictional plot? http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-107.html Newsdov relief africa Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:58:33 +0100 A delegation of church leaders from Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo has set out to meet the presidents of the latter two countries in order to convey them a strong message in favor of peace. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-106.html Newsdov latinamerica Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:25:36 +0100 To achieve reconciliation takes nothing less than the transformation of society, the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia said in Managua, during a 2-5 November visit to Nicaragua. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-08-21.html Featuredov africa Wed, 5 Nov 2008 15:28:49 +0100 With its streets full of bicycle riders transporting luggage or passengers alongside mini buses, Gulu in northern Uganda looks as peaceful as any small African town. However, its inhabitants, who say now they want nothing but peace, have to come to terms with the terrible crimes that were committed here during 22 years of civil war. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-105.html Newsweekly dov racism africa Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:32:15 +0100 In Liberia, Sierra Leone and South Africa, churches have played a major role in reconciliation between groups who had been in violent conflict with each other for decades. Two international ecumenical teams sent by the World Council of Churches (WCC) will visit the three countries during the next two weeks. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-104.html Newsdov latinamerica Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:01:00 +0100 An international ecumenical delegation led by the general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, will visit Nicaragua from 2 to 5 November. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-08-20.html Featuredov africa Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:19:56 +0100 Guns have fallen silent in northern Uganda since the signing of a permanent ceasefire. Yet, church leaders are worried about the rebel Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) delaying the signature of the final peace agreement, they told an international ecumenical delegation visiting the country. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-103.html Newsdov interreligious asia Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:38:59 +0100 Leaders of Sri Lanka's Buddhist majority expressed divergent views on resolving the ethnic conflict in their country, while speaking to a delegation led by Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, general secretary of the World Council of Churches. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Info-08-10.html Info Thu, 23 Oct 2008 03:54:55 PM +0100 Zimbabwean human rights activist Rev. Dr Levee Kadenge will share his insights on the political impasse that has been paralyzing the country for weeks, while more and more people die from hunger. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-102.html Newsdov Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:05:20 +0100 The plight of people displaced by war will be the main topic of a "Living Letters" visit to Uganda, 27 October to 2 November. An international ecumenical delegation sent by the World Council of Churches (WCC) will discuss with representatives of churches, state and civil society about the protection of refugees, with a specific focus on sexual violence and the vulnerability of children. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-100.html Newsinterreligious Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:26:12 +0100 Christian communities should improve their knowledge of Islam, be good neighbours to Muslims and bear witness to their faith in an appropriate manner, according to an international group of church leaders and experts on Christian-Muslim dialogue. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-101.html Newsdov asia Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:16:00 +0100 Trauma and bitterness are among the challenges Sri Lankan churches must face in promoting peace and reconciliation as the island nation is in the middle of an intense war, a World Council of Churches (WCC) delegation has learnt during a 19-23 October visit to the country. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-08-19.html Featuredov relations asia Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:45:50 +0100 The Church of North India (CNI), which is currently going through the hardest times in its history, with many church members suffering persecution, has demonstrated its unity at its 17-21 October synod meeting in Pathankot, Punjab state. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-96.html Newsglobalization latinamerica Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:28:14 +0100 There is a "gradual retreat of neoliberalism" in the region, according to participants in a Latin America and Caribbean ecumenical consultation to examine the links between poverty, wealth and ecology. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-98.html Newsromancatholic interreligious Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:50:00 +0100 "Living together in community must take the centre stage of Christian-Muslim dialogue," said Catholicos Aram I at the opening of an 18-20 October ecumenical consultation aimed at developing a common Christian theological understanding of dialogue with Islam. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-08-18.html Featuredov Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:27:00 +0100 Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh observed that "Christianity is part of our national heritage" when Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), called on him on 18 October at his residence in New Delhi. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-97.html Newsdov interreligious asia Thu, 16 Oct 2008 18:32:44 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia has said that "one of the greatest problems facing the world today is religious extremism." http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-95.html Newsdov middleeast Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:33:21 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) has called on the UN and the Iraqi government "to quell the violence" targeted to Christians in Iraq and has urged its member churches and partners worldwide to "pray for peace and reconciliation" in the country. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-94.html Newstheology asia Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:13:57 +0100 The Philippines - a country where approximately a tenth of the population is indigenous and lives in isolated areas where access to basic services and opportunities for economic growth is lacking even as natural resources abound - will be the meeting place for some 30 indigenous theologians from the Americas, Europe, Australia and Asia. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-93.html Newsia globalization Thu, 16 Oct 2008 08:43:18 +0100 As "the global food crisis continues to unfold and impact on the most vulnerable in our societies," the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia has called on international institutions and governments to move into swift action. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-92.html Newsinterreligious Wed, 15 Oct 2008 18:09:43 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC), together with a number of Christian world communions, the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) and the Roman Catholic Church are expecting some 50 church leaders and experts on Christian-Muslim dialogue to attend a consultation from 18 to 20 October in Chavannes-de-Bogis, outside Geneva, Switzerland. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-91.html Newsdov interreligious asia Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:45:55 +0100 India and Sri Lanka, two South Asian countries that have seen alarming levels of violence in recent months and years, will receive a 16-23 October the visit of a World Council of Churches (WCC) delegation headed by general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-90.html Newsorthodoxparticipation Wed, 15 Oct 2008 12:39:19 +0100 Patriarchs, primates and representatives of Eastern Orthodox churches recommitted themselves to overcome intra-Orthodox conflicts as well as to continue theological dialogues with Christians from other confessions at a 10-12 October meeting in Istanbul, Turkey. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Info-08-09.html Info Thu, 9 Oct 2008 09:13:30 AM +0100 A lunchtime seminar on "Making Mental Health a Global Priority" will take place on World Mental Health Day, 10 October, at Geneva's Ecumenical Centre. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-89.html Newsinterreligious asia europe Thu, 9 Oct 2008 09:46:52 +0100 The rapidly changing relationship between religion and state and the challenge of multiple identities were the foci of a lively dialogue between ten Chinese and nine European scholars and religious leaders representing Buddhism, Islam, Christianity and traditional Chinese religions held in Sweden, 3-6 October. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-88.html Newseducation europe Thu, 2 Oct 2008 16:51:45 +0100 In the context of rapid social and political changes in Eastern and Central Europe, some 37 leading representatives of theological and ecumenical institutions throughout the region gathered in Romania recently to seek more mutual cooperation and ecumenical commitment to ecumenical theological education. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-87.html Newsecumenism ia humanrights interreligious health asia Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:39:55 +0100 The executive committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC), meeting in Luebeck, Germany, 23-26 September 2008, reviewed programme, budget, and approved various public statements and reports and the extension of the contract of the current general secretary. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-86.html Newsia middleeast northamerica Fri, 26 Sep 2008 22:03:17 +0100 The United Nations Liaison Office of the World Council of Churches (WCC) co-sponsored an international dialogue on September 25 between some 300 religious leaders and political figures - including Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad - aimed at exploring faith perspectives and the role of religion regarding global issues such as poverty, war and prejudice while deepening mutual understanding. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Info-08-08.html Info Thu, 25 Sep 2008 03:02:21 PM +0100 On the International Day of Older Persons, 1 October, an inter-religious ceremony and a panel discussion at Geneva's Ecumenical Centre will highlight the role of culture and religion in a rapidly ageing world that struggles to provide care and participation for all. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-85.html Newsecumenism africa asia europe latinamerica middleeast northamerica pacific Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:35:21 +0100 The executive committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC) meeting 23-26 September in Luebeck, Germany announced their decision to extend the contract of Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, the current WCC general secretary, through the time when a new general secretary takes office. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-83.html Newstheology europe Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:00:00 +0100 Can saints and martyrs - or for that matter, Christians who lived exemplary lives - help unite the churches into which they were born? An international group of experts will discuss this and other related questions at a symposium in an Italian monastery. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-84.html Newsdov interreligious middleeast northamerica Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:36:00 +0100 The UN Liaison Office of the World Council of Churches (WCC) is co-sponsoring an international dialogue between religious leaders and political figures - including Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad - aimed at exploring faith perspectives and the role of religion regarding global issues such as poverty, war and prejudice while deepening mutual understanding. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-08-17.html Featureinterreligious women europe Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:17:00 +0100 Can women play a strong role in bringing reconciliation and tolerance to the communities in conflict? Can divisions and divides be resolved from a faith-based perspective, when religion often is considered a cause of violence? http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-82.html Newsinterreligious women europe Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:12:32 +0100 In the comfort of a simple Swedish meeting room, 25 Christian and Muslim women met to talk about how religion, which is often blamed to cause violence, can move people toward peace. When Rev. Marika Palmdahl welcomed the participants in the meeting "Moving towards a peace through religion" which was held 4-7 September and co-organized by the World Council of Churches (WCC) and Teheran's Institute for Interreligious Dialogue (IID), her white collar band raised some questions. "Does this mean she is a woman priest?" some wondered. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-81.html Newsrelations europe Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:02:07 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee will meet in Lübeck, Germany on 23-26 September. The global food crisis, the conflict in Darfur and the situation in Sri Lanka are some of the issues about which public statements will be considered. The committee will assess the progress done in shaping a new form of WCC assembly, review WCC programme plans and budget and appoint an acting general secretary for 2009. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-80.html Newstheology dov pacific Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:09:15 +0100 Nearly 140 congregations and Christian groups in the United States are organizing public prayer events on the International Day of Prayer for Peace, on 21 September. Another grouping of churches from different countries around the world has committed to observe the day with a 24-hour prayer chain. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-79.html Newstheology europe middleeast Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:34:13 +0100 A conference on "Promised Land" that aired different theological approaches to this key issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has given church leaders and theologians new views to take home to their churches. Some participants said their outlook had been changed by the "constructive confrontation" at the World Council of Churches (WCC) event. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-78.html Newsdov accompaniment middleeast Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:57:33 +0100 The need to "re-frame the religious dimensions" of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a key goal of a 4-day international theological conference starting today in the Swiss capital, Bern. The conference involves some 65 theologians and church leaders from all over the world who are focusing on the issue of "Promised Land". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-77.html Newsdov relief europe Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:25:16 +0100 The destruction of ethnic Georgian communities in South Ossetia, the deep wounds to local society and war damage to the capital city confronted a delegation from the World Council of Churches on the second half of a 3-7 September pastoral visit to Georgia and Russia. The findings added urgency to concerns raised by government and church officials during a stop in Moscow. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-76.html Newsdov europe Fri, 5 Sep 2008 11:04:03 +0100 A pastoral delegation sent by the World Council of Churches (WCC) to Georgia and Russia has not been able to visit South Ossetia from the Georgian side of the ceasefire line. Unable to make the half-hour drive to Tskhinvali from within Georgia, they are now traveling thousands of kilometers to reach the enclave from the Russian side instead. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-75.html Newsdov interreligious asia Thu, 4 Sep 2008 14:23:06 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) have jointly called on the Prime Minister of India requesting his intervention to end the violence in the state of Orissa. The WCC invites its member churches to join a call from Christians in India to hold a Day of Prayer and Fasting for peace and goodwill on Sunday, 7 September. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-74.html Newsdov europe Wed, 3 Sep 2008 11:32:41 +0100 A pastoral delegation from the World Council of Churches (WCC) is visiting Russia and Georgia from 3 to 7 September. The delegation will listen to WCC member churches in both countries, encourage their efforts for peace and visit people displaced by the recent violence as well as church aid programmes. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-73.html Newstheology middleeast Tue, 2 Sep 2008 14:13:31 +0100 One challenge for churches addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the fact that it takes place in a land that different religions consider holy. A conference in Bern will discuss the concept of the "Promised Land" and related theological issues with a view to help more churches become advocates for a just peace. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-72.html Newsinterreligious europe Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:24:49 +0100 Some twenty Christian and Muslim women will meet 4-7 September in Gothenburg, Sweden, as part of a dialogue process labelled "Moving towards peace through religion". Hosted by the Diocese of Gothenburg of the Church of Sweden, the meeting follows one held last year in Teheran. The initiative is co-organized by the Iranian Institute for Interreligious Dialogue (IID) and the World Council of Churches (WCC). http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-71.html Newsrelations relationswithnonmember europe northamerica Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:04:05 +0100 "Stating that in seeking Christ they found each other, the 147 churches that sixty years ago came together in Amsterdam, Netherlands committed themselves afresh to Christ and covenanted with one another in constituting the World Council of Churches (WCC)," said the Council's general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia as he prepared to leave for a commemorative event to be held at the location where the WCC was officially founded 60 years ago, 23 August 1948 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-08-16.html Featureinterreligious youth Wed, 13 Aug 2008 10:27:18 +0100 During a youth interfaith seminar outside Geneva last month some participants realized the religious differences are usually smaller than imagined and cultural differences are often more significant than expected. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-70.html Newsdov europe Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:00:04 +0100 A public statement from the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Conference of European Churches (CEC) has called for prayers and assistance for those affected by the recent conflict in the Caucasus. The war began five days ago and despite its brevity has already killed hundreds of people, displaced thousands others and severely damaged homes, buildings and property in several cities. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-08-15.html Featurehumanrights water Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:37:22 +0100 "Water has no colour, no race, no nationality, it is the same all over the world," according to Rania Flavie Tourma, an Orthodox Christian from Syria. So to her, it was perfectly natural that people from around the world gathered near Geneva, Switzerland at the Ecumenical Water Network (EWN) Summer School on Water to unite in defence of this natural resource. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-69.html Newsinterreligious Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:15:27 +0100 A recent dialogue held in late July at Yale University in the United States brought together Muslim and Christian scholars, intellectuals, academics and religious leaders from the United States and around the world. The event was one of a series of dialogues organized in response to the October 2007 open letter "A Common Word" sent by 138 Muslim scholars to Christians around the world. The letter invited them to dialogue about what they viewed as the common parts of their respective faiths. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-68.html Newsdov relief asia Thu, 7 Aug 2008 08:22:59 +0100 On a recent travel to Indonesia, a "Living Letters" team representing the member churches of the World Council of Churches (WCC) discovered seeds of hope for a world without violence. In Sulawesi, the Moluccas, West Timor and other islands they saw how the churches were working side by side with their communities and those of other faiths to bring peace and the improvement of all people. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-67.html Newshealth Wed, 6 Aug 2008 11:02:28 +0100 Representatives of ecumenical organizations meeting in advance of the 17th International AIDS Conference in Mexico City vowed to launch a global campaign to help churches become competent in dealing with the HIV and AIDS pandemic. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-08-14.html Featuredov women youth asia Mon, 4 Aug 2008 17:40:20 +0100 The remains of flattened buildings at the Christian University of the Moluccas in Indonesia are a grim reminder of conflict. During 1999-2004 hundreds of Christians and Muslims died and millions of dollars worth of property was destroyed in a tragedy which more sober leaders and members of both faith communities regret. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-08-13.html Featuredov humanrights africa Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:52:22 +0100 More than 20 years of advocacy work for Sudan on behalf of the churches won to Marina Peter, European coordinator of the Sudan Ecumenical Forum, a decoration from the German government and a deep sense of the complexities of a country whose size is almost that of Western Europe and has seen internal wars over the last 50 years. Only addressing Sudan "in its complexity and as a whole" will bring about peace, she says. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-65.html Newsdov humanrights asia Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:28:00 +0100 West Papuans have yet to recover from the trauma of human rights violations. At the same time continuing in-migration is threatening to marginalize them in their resource-rich province, an ecumenical team from the World Council of Churches (WCC) told top-level Indonesian government officials. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-66.html Newshealth latinamerica Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:12:13 +0100 Can religions do more in response to the AIDS pandemic? To address this question over 450 representatives of faith-based organizations currently responding to HIV and AIDS will gather in Mexico City, 31 July - 2 August, in advance of the XVII International AIDS Conference. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Info-08-07.html Info Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:34:56 AM +0100 Imam Dr Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa will be the main speaker in the closing ceremony of the interfaith summer seminar 2008 at the Ecumenical Institute Bossey, near Geneva, on Wednesday 30 July. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-64.html Newsweekly humanrights relief africa Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:44:50 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) has joined with a coalition of church organizations calling for an end to restrictions which have banned humanitarian aid distributions in Zimbabwe. In a statement issued yesterday by the WCC, World Alliance of Reformed Churches, World Student Christian Federation, World Alliance of YWCAs and World Alliance of YMCAs congratulated Zimbabwean and African leaders involved in current negotiations for signing a memorandum of understanding to continue discussions over the future of Zimbabwe. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Info-08-06.html Info Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:39:28 AM +0100 From 28 July to 4 August in Bossey, near Geneva, some 25 young adults from six continents will discuss water issues in their respective countries as well as Christian approaches to advocacy at the first summer school of the Ecumenical Water Network. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-08-12.html Featuredov interreligious asia Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:47:33 +0100 The concrete wall behind the altar of the Christian Church of Central Sulawesi in Palu, Indonesia still bears marks from two bullets just three inches to the right of a framed cross-stitch portrait of Jesus Christ. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-63.html Newsinterreligious Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:25:35 +0100 Dialogue is "the best way for mutual understanding and cooperation in human relations as well as in peaceful coexistence among nations," said the final communiqué issued by the conveners of the World Conference on Dialogue and broadly affirmed by the conference which ended on Friday 18 July in Madrid, Spain. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-62.html Newsperspectives orthodoxparticipation Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:16:02 +0100 A key committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC) is calling ecumenical partners, including its 349 member churches, for more feedback on two crucial matters of concern facing the church and the WCC. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-61.html Newsdov interreligious asia Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:23:00 +0100 Churches working for peace in Indonesia - a country which over the last decades had to cope with repeated outbreaks of ethnic and religious conflicts, the integration of internally displaced people as well as refugees from outside its borders - will receive a solidarity visit of an international ecumenical delegation sent by the World Council of Churches (WCC) from 17 to 24 July. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-60.html Newsinterreligious Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:01:22 +0100 World Council of Churches (WCC) representatives will participate at the 16-18 July international interfaith conference convened in Madrid by the Muslim World League following an initiative by Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-59.html Newseducation Tue, 8 Jul 2008 16:26:00 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) will welcome five young people (aged 18-30 years) to serve as interns in its Geneva offices from February 2009 to January 2010. Interns bring valuable experiences to the WCC at the same time as they undertake several modules of ecumenical learning. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-58.html Newsdov environment pacific Mon, 7 Jul 2008 12:30:30 +0100 Climate change, its causes and consequences as well as the role of churches and the worldwide ecumenical family will be at the center of a 7-14 July visit to the Pacific region by the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-08-11.html Featuredov interreligious europe Mon, 7 Jul 2008 08:25:00 +0100 "It's always good to see what can come of an idea," says Rev. Barbara Rudolph, executive director of the Council of Christian Churches in Germany (ACK). On this beautiful summer Sunday, she is delighted to hear how the local project in Cologne of the campaign Weißt Du wer ich bin? ("Do you know who I am?") has developed. The nationwide campaign was launched by the ACK, the Central Council of Jews, the Central Council of Muslims and the Turkish-Islamic Union at the Institute for Religion (Ditib) and has, with support from the Federal Ministry for Internal Affairs, set up 120 local projects to promote greater interfaith cooperation. In Cologne, too, the seed has fallen on fertile soil. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-57.html Newshumanrights africa Fri, 4 Jul 2008 15:04:48 +0100 After "what is now being described as a deeply flawed election", the World Council of Churches (WCC) has called for the protection of the population "against increased and continued violence", an "intensified international monitoring of the situation" and the provision of humanitarian aid. The WCC also issued a warning concerning the possible consequences of economic sanctions. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-55.html Newsdov europe Fri, 4 Jul 2008 11:03:05 +0100 On a visit to the German Federal Defence Ministry in Berlin on Tuesday evening, members of a delegation of the World Council of Churches (WCC) asked questions about German arms sales and about whether wars, such as the Iraq war, can ever solve problems. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-54.html Newsdov women europe Thu, 3 Jul 2008 14:40:00 +0100 German churches' experience with the issue of "domestic violence" will play an important role in a Peace Declaration of the World Council of Churches planned for 2011. "The churches have denied the existence of this issue for a long time", said Georges Lemopoulos, deputy general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), speaking on Saturday 28 June in Frankfurt. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-56.html Newshumanrights latinamerica Thu, 3 Jul 2008 08:33:00 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia expressed "joy" at the liberation of Ingrid Betancourt and other hostages in Colombia today. Welcoming the liberation "as an important step in a yet uncompleted process", Kobia called upon the FARC "to release hostages on a humanitarian basis". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Info-08-05.html Infointerreligious youth Wed, 2 Jul 2008 01:47:45 PM +0100 From 7 to 31 July in Bossey, near Geneva, some 25 young adults - Muslims, Jews and Christians - from European, Middle Eastern, Asian, African and American countries are exploring together the question: "How can we affirm our religious identities not in separation or against each other but in relation to one another?" http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-52.html Newseducation youth Tue, 1 Jul 2008 17:42:00 +0100 Ideas for "bringing unity down to earth", "communicative action" and a "theology of the wilderness" were among the winning entries submitted for an essay contest on Prospects for Ecumenism in the 21st Century. The winners, two women and four men, come from Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-53.html Newsia asia Tue, 1 Jul 2008 16:28:00 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia has urged South Korean President Lee Myung-bak to "take urgent measures to strengthen inter-Korean relationships without any pre-conditions". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-51.html Newsorthodoxparticipation interreligious middleeast Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:49:39 +0100 Challenges facing Christians today are too strong for a divided church, said World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia in Egypt recently as he called for church unity both locally and globally. Kobia was speaking during a 16-21 June visit to WCC member churches in the country. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-47.html Newsdov humanrights relief africa Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:07:00 +0100 Zimbabwe's run-off presidential election should be postponed, according to a young leader of the country's Student Christian Movement, who is in Switzerland to request the churches support for addressing the humanitarian crisis in the South African country. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-48.html Newsdov relations europe Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:41:52 +0100 "Living Letters" from member churches of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Burundi, Brazil, Greece and the United States will come to Germany, 27 June - 4 July, for an exchange of experiences in overcoming violence. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-50.html Newsorthodoxparticipation women Wed, 25 Jun 2008 08:00:00 +0100 Over the last decade, Orthodox women reached significant milestones regarding their participation in church life, but many of their concerns have not yet been fully addressed, an international gathering of Orthodox women stated. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-46.html Newsdov humanrights relief africa Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:33:41 +0100 Two international ecumenical bodies called on the UN, the South African Development Community and the African Union "to increase [their] efforts to address the rapidly deteriorating situation in Zimbabwe". Emergency aid, postponement of the run-off election and the responsibility of the international community to intervene in protection of the people are amongst the main concerns. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-49.html Newsdov pacific Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:11:00 +0100 Churches around the world will pray for the peoples of the Pacific as an international church initiative against violence focuses attention on the region this year. Pacific churches themselves will pray and reflect together on how best to promote peace in their communities. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-45.html Newshumanrights africa Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:04:38 +0100 In a letter to the UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, the World Council of Churches (WCC) has expressed continued concern about the situation in Zimbabwe and asked the world body to utilize its resources to assure an end to pre-election violence in the southern African country and a free and fair election on 27 June. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-44.html Newsaccompaniment middleeast Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:39:37 +0100 In Australia a broad spectrum of church leaders came together to address national public opinion makers on the Israel-Palestine conflict and launch a parish awareness kit. In Scotland a cross-party group in Parliament met with Christian, Jewish and Muslim representatives. In Budapest, Hungary's second largest church sent letters about peace for Israelis and Palestinians to the national and foreign governments. In Norway the foreign minister and a Palestinian bishop addressed a multi-religious peace service. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-43.html Newsdov africa Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:44:16 +0100 Churches worldwide are being invited to celebrate a day of prayer for Zimbabwe on Sunday, 22 June, as the beginning of a season of prayer for the people and government of the African country, which is facing a critical time. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Info-08-04.html Info Thu, 12 Jun 2008 09:03:19 AM +0100 Migration constitutes one of the most urgent issues of contemporary societies. It raises issues like social exclusion through racism and xenophobia, as well as cross-cultural views on Christianity. In order to increase the factual knowledge about the transformations caused by migration, the study "Mapping Migration - Mapping Churches' Responses" will be presented to the press and the wider public on Monday, 16 June in Geneva. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-42.html Newsinterreligious middleeast Thu, 12 Jun 2008 11:52:21 +0100 The necessity of peace in the Middle East will be highlighted during a 16 to 21 June visit to Egypt by the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-08-10.html Featurewater relief africa Mon, 9 Jun 2008 14:15:22 +0100 The massive dams built by South Africa and Lesotho in the mountain kingdom's highlands have proven a success for the economies of both countries. The Christian Council of Lesotho is worried, however, that the residents displaced by the project are bypassed when it comes to the benefits. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-41.html Newseducation Mon, 9 Jun 2008 10:19:10 +0100 Ecumenical theological education is of strategic importance for Christianity in the 21st century. This was the message coming from the IV Congress of the World Conference of Associations of Theological Institutions (WOCATI) held in Neapolis, Thessaloniki and Volos (Greece) from 31 May to 7 June 2008. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-40.html Newsdov africa Fri, 6 Jun 2008 10:19:40 +0100 "Deeply saddened by the brutal wave of violent xenophobic attacks and murders of foreign nationals, migrant workers and refugees" occurring since early May in South Africa, the World Council of Churches (WCC) urged the country's government "demonstrate leadership by bringing to an end this murderous violence and promoting the observance of human rights". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-08-09.html Featureglobalization relief Thu, 5 Jun 2008 17:31:56 +0100 The plea "Give us this day our daily bread" needs to be heard by world leaders meeting in Rome on the global food crisis, say church representatives across the globe. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-39.html Newsglobalization relief Thu, 5 Jun 2008 16:56:18 +0100 With an estimated 850 million people suffering from hunger worldwide, nine out of ten of which live in developing countries, "the scandal of hunger demands the immediate attention of the churches", affirmed today in a statement the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-37.html Newsdov accompaniment middleeast Wed, 4 Jun 2008 08:43:02 +0100 Today in Jerusalem, at the launch of a worldwide week of action for peace in Israel and Palestine, different churches will come together for an ecumenical service giving thanks for "every church and parish around the world that is praying with us this day for peace". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-38.html Newshumanrights asia Wed, 4 Jun 2008 07:45:00 +0100 Philippine human rights activists reiterated their call on the UN Human Rights Council to "keep pursuing our government to stop the extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations". The UN body is meeting in Geneva 2-18 June. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-36.html Newsdov Thu, 29 May 2008 14:26:38 +0100 "Churches around the world are much encouraged" by the multilateral agreement on cluster munitions reached Wednesday in Dublin, and now look with expectation to "powerful governments that have not been at the negotiating table", said World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia in a comment on the agreement today. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-34.html Newsaccompaniment middleeast Wed, 28 May 2008 15:54:00 +0100 Bethlehem participants in a global week of church advocacy are inviting individuals and groups around the world to send them wishes and prayers for peace. Incoming emails will be shared with parishes, schools and organizations in Bethlehem and Jerusalem as part of the action week, which is led by the World Council of Churches. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-35.html Newseducation relief asia Wed, 28 May 2008 15:29:00 +0100 Amongst the widespread devastation disseminated by Cyclone Nargis, Myanmar theological institutions were not spared their share of damage and loss. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-08-08.html Featuremiddleeast Mon, 19 May 2008 10:15:17 +0100 On Fridays, the Holy Trinity church compound in Dubai is abuzz with worshipers from early morning till after nightfall. Some 10 - 11 thousand members of more than 120 different Christian groups and congregations come here on the Emirates' weekly day of rest. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-33.html Newsdov accompaniment middleeast Thu, 15 May 2008 09:06:18 +0100 A common prayer and message for peace in Palestine and Israel is ready for use in about 100 countries. Churches in 17 countries, plus two international ecumenical organizations, are planning various education and advocacy activities. These and more are part of a global week of action led by the World Council of Churches (WCC), 4-10 June 2008. This year marks 60 years since the partition of Palestine and 41 years of occupation. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-08-07.html Featurehumanrights water africa Thu, 15 May 2008 08:59:00 +0100 In Lesotho, South Africa and many other African countries, devices that restrict consumers to only using water that they have paid for in advance are being promoted as a way to fund better water infrastructure. A problematic approach, church water experts warn, as it endangers the poorest of the poor's access to this indispensable necessity of life. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-32.html Newstheology education asia Fri, 9 May 2008 09:53:09 +0100 Firsthand reports on the extraordinary development of Christianity in Nepal and the growing need for improvements in theological education and participation in the ecumenical movement were all part of recent consultation on the future of theological education in South Asia. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-31.html Newsaccompaniment middleeast Fri, 9 May 2008 08:45:53 +0100 Just as 2008 marks 60 years of aspirations dedicated to securing a homeland for Israelis, 2008 also marks 60 years of the disintegration of Palestinian society and dispersal of some 750,000 Palestinians as refugees. To date, the situation in the Palestinian Territories reflects the absence of peace and a continuation of occupation and conflict. While Israelis celebrate the 60th anniversary of their state, Palestinians are marking six decades of displacement and dispossession. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-08-06.html Featuremiddleeast Mon, 5 May 2008 15:34:23 +0100 "Although I had been threatened many times in Iraq, I did not want to leave," says the Armenian Orthodox hairdresser Cayran. "But then my shop was burnt and the car of my husband, who used to work as a driver, was robbed. So we left everything behind and fled to Syria." http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-30.html Newsecumenism Mon, 5 May 2008 08:00:00 +0100 On the first Pentecost the disciples of Jesus were together in one place waiting, expectant, open to the new thing that God was to do in them and among them. And because they were faithful in their waiting and open to God’s promise they could receive into themselves that rushing mighty wind of the Spirit that was to strengthen them in their new life of fellowship in prayer, in the breaking of bread, in sharing their goods with glad and sincere hearts, and empowering them to go out and announce the good news to the whole world. Jesus sent the Spirit to his friends, as he had promised he would, to show them his love and to assure them that they would never be alone. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-29.html Newslatinamerica Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:22:19 +0100 World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia has congratulated President-elect Fernando Lugo on his victory in Paraguay's recent presidential election. In a letter dated 29 April, Kobia highlights Lugo's "commitment to the poorest and excluded", in tune with "the rich tradition of a Latin American Christianity which has struggled to follow Jesus amidst a reality marked by inequality and lack of justice". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-28.html Newsafrica Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:03:34 +0100 The 29 March elections in Zimbabwe were "far from being free and fair" and were "skewed in favour of the incumbent who openly utilised state resources to his advantage," two ecumenical bodies said in a recently released report on the election. The Zimbabwean people "expressed their will on polling day" and that will must be "upheld and respected" the report said. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-27.html Newsweekly africa Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:04:45 +0100 Concerned about the integrity of elections, the World Council of Churches Central Committee stated recently that, "...in democratic systems, elections serve as a way for people to confer legitimacy on a participatory democratic political system. In order to ensure that an election truly reflects the will of the people, attention should be paid to pre- and post-electoral mechanisms." http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-26.html Newsinterreligious middleeast Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:38:19 +0100 "Islam cannot be studied like grammar," Patriarch Ignatius IV (Hazim) of the Greek Orthodox Church in Syria, told a delegation led by Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), who had come to Syria wishing to learn from the country's long experience of Christians and Muslims living peacefully together. "We have to see the real people and share with them. Muslims are sharing with you by living in your countries. Why do you ignore them?" the patriarch asked particularly the delegation members from Europe and the United States at the outset of their 19 to 22 April visit. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Info-08-03.html Info Wed, 23 Apr 2008 03:30:42 PM +0100 Hidden from the front pages and headline news reports is the reality the world may be slipping into a second age of an increasing nuclear weapons threat. The risk of nuclear weapons being used is estimated to be higher today than during much of the Cold War. Instead of many nuclear weapons the hands of the few, there are now many nuclear weapons in more hands. International agreements that control nuclear arms have been greatly weakened by the policies of nuclear and non-nuclear powers alike. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-25.html Newshumanrights interreligious middleeast Thu, 17 Apr 2008 11:32:34 +0100 "Migration is a fact of life. It is as much an instinct to survive as it is an inevitable consequence of globalization. We can neither turn our backs on it, nor control it," declared in a statement participants at a 15-16 April Public Hearing on Migration and the Changing Ecclesial Landscape in Beirut, Lebanon. "Migrants are not commodities, illegal aliens or mere victims, they are human beings." http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-08-05.html Featuredov africa Thu, 17 Apr 2008 10:18:00 +0100 Metropolitan Dr Zacharias Mar Theophilus, from the Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar, India, was a member of an ecumenical team that recently visited Sudan's Yambio region. The capital city of West Equatoria state, close to the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Yambio is green and fertile. "But the people we met there feel ignored," says Metropolitan Theophilus, "ignored by Khartoum, ignored by Juba, ignored by the whole world." http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-24.html Newshumanrights interreligious middleeast Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:52:39 +0100 "Migration is a human concern, not a Muslim or a Christian one, and therefore Christians and Muslims must act on it together." Representatives of Lebanon's six most numerous faith communities shared this view as the Public Hearing on Migration and the Changing Ecclesial Landscape was officially opened in Beirut on April 14. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-23.html Newsafrica Fri, 11 Apr 2008 17:10:24 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) has welcomed the initiative of Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa to convene a summit of Southern African heads of state to address the current crisis in Zimbabwe. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-08-02.html Updatedov women youth africa Wed, 9 Apr 2008 16:36:25 +0100 Based on a candid assessment of how two decades of war have affected them, Sudanese youth told church leaders what they need most: skills training, jobs and means of participating in shaping their country’s future. Sudanese women, in turn, spoke out about their vulnerability, increased by war and cultural patterns. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-22.html Newsmiddleeast Wed, 9 Apr 2008 13:50:04 +0100 Testimonies by young Christians from the Middle East on why many of them leave the region in search of a brighter future will inform the Public Hearing on Migration and the Changing Ecclesial Landscape to be held in Beirut, from 15 to 16 April. An ecumenical delegation headed by World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia will attend the hearing at the outset of a seven-day visit to the region focusing on migration as a global phenomenon. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-08-01.html Updatedov africa Mon, 7 Apr 2008 18:21:00 +0100 "We remain committed to work side by side with the churches", the president of Southern Sudan Salva Kiir Mayardit told representatives of an international ecumenical delegation in Juba, Southern Sudan, on 3 April 2008. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-21.html Newsdov relations interreligious africa Fri, 4 Apr 2008 16:18:19 +0100 Sudanese churches stand at a crossroads, said the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia. On the one hand, they face a transition from liberation fight to rebuilding their homes and communities. On the other, they live in a country where Islam and Christianity cross paths and the relationship between the two is vital. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-08-04.html Featuredov interreligious africa Tue, 1 Apr 2008 19:58:42 +0100 In Khartoum, the capital city of Sudan, it is hard for Christians to have their own place - even after they have died. The city's Christian cemetery, which has been turned into a sales park for second hand cars, illustrates well the challenges faced by the minority Christian community in the northern, predominantly Muslim part of the country. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-20.html Newstheology relationswithnonmember Tue, 1 Apr 2008 14:35:30 +0100 Christian World Communions as well as the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches sent representatives to the Ninth Forum on Bilateral Dialogues in order to share information on recent bilateral consultations between churches and to discuss the vision of unity expressed in their ecumenical texts. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-19.html Newsinterreligious europe Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:50:24 +0100 The movie Fitna, recently released online by Dutch parliamentarian Geert Wilders was criticized as "a clear case of Islamophobia" by Rev. Dr Shanta Premawardhana, director of the World Council of Churches' (WCC) Programme on Interreligious Dialogue and Cooperation. "Through graphic images the filmmaker depicts violent extremism without any attempt to distinguish it from mainstream Islam. Extremism is a problem for most religions and needs to be countered through interreligious dialogue," Premawardhana said. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-18.html Newsdov relations africa Fri, 28 Mar 2008 11:39:29 +0100 Amid ongoing fighting and humanitarian crises in several regions of Sudan, and risks of failure in implementing the 2005 peace agreement that ended two decades of civil war between north and south, the Sudanese people and churches face "tremendous tasks and challenges", an international ecumenical team of church representatives was told at the beginning of an eight-day solidarity visit to the country. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-17.html Newsinterreligious Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:24:40 +0100 Love for one's neighbour is "an essential and integral part of faith in God and love of God" for both Islam and Christianity. How Christians and Muslims can engage in reflections of this love together is the central theme of a commentary issued by the World Council of Churches (WCC) on Thursday, 20 March. Compiled by Christian experts in Christian-Muslim relations, it addresses the churches and offers suggestions on responding to the widely noticed letter "A Common Word" by 138 Muslim leaders in October 2007. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-16.html Newsdov relations africa Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:34:01 +0100 An international ecumenical team of church representatives will pay a solidarity visit to churches and ecumenical organizations in Sudan from 26 March to 2 April. The team led by the WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia will split in four groups to visit Darfur, Khartoum, Rumbek and Yambio before joining Sudanese church leaders, women and youth for a three-day conference in Juba. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Info-08-02.html Info Mon, 17 Mar 2008 03:54:03 PM +0100 International human rights experts and activists from the Philippines will address the continuing problem of extrajudicial killings in a side event to the UN Human Rights Council's 7th session. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-15.html Newsecumenism romancatholic europe Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:33:50 +0100 Recalling the charisma of Chiara Lubich as a "flame of love that began to shine in the midst of the ashes and destruction of war" in a tribute to the founder of the Focolare movement, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia shared the "deep sorrow" of her many friends on the WCC upon the news of her death. Chiara Lubich, who dedicated herself to the promotion of peace, church unity and inter-religious dialogue, died on 14 March aged 88 at her home near Rome, Italy. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-14.html Newsecumenism theology romancatholic europe Wed, 12 Mar 2008 18:13:57 +0100 "The World Council of Churches (WCC) and the ecumenical movement have lost an outstanding ecumenist, a man of vision and great passion for the future of life on earth and a church visibly united in faithfulness to Christ's calling," affirmed WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia in a tribute to Prof. Dr Lukas Vischer, who died on 11 March 2008, at the age of 81. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-13.html Newsdov accompaniment interreligious middleeast Mon, 10 Mar 2008 18:04:26 +0100 "We express our sincere sorrow and sympathy to the families of those who were killed or injured in the shootings last week at the Mercaz Harav Yeshiva in Jerusalem," said World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia on 10 March, joining his voice to those of the Heads of Churches in Jerusalem. "An attack on a Jewish seminary has a profound impact on all people of faith. The World Council of Churches strongly condemns this attack." http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-12.html Newsia jpc environment Mon, 3 Mar 2008 18:58:51 +0100 In a wide ranging discussion at the Geneva-based World Council of Churches (WCC) the UN secretary general, H.E. Ban Ki-Moon and WCC general secretary, Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia found agreement for the two world bodies to work more closely on several global issues, particularly climate change. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-11.html Newsia middleeast Mon, 3 Mar 2008 15:43:57 +0100 Absolute condemnation for the "deadly attacks on civilians by the Israeli military on Gaza and by militants firing rockets from Gaza" was expressed by the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia today. Claiming that "the path to peace stands open but empty," he called for an end of the "incessant violations of life and of human rights" and of the "blockade that has systematically deprived Gazans of almost all their rights." http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-08-15.html Central committee releaseecumenism Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:13:41 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee closed its 13-20 February meeting after having chosen the venue for the 2011 International Ecumenical Peace Convocation, achieved progress towards a broader WCC Assembly, welcomed new member churches, appointed a search committee for a new general secretary and celebrated the Council's 60th anniversary. The WCC main governing body also put its stamp on a number of public statements, policy concerns and programme plans. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-08-14.html Central committee releaseecumenism Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:50:30 +0100 Presided by an African woman, with a membership that includes three youth, eight women, four Orthodox and a strong representation from the South, the search committee for a new World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary has already begun to work. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-08-13.html Central committee releaseenvironment europe middleeast Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:34:26 +0100 The World Council of Churches central committee issued a reminder on the pressing issue of climate change this week, urging member churches and others to "Be stewards of God's creation". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-08-12.html Central committee releaserelations latinamerica Wed, 20 Feb 2008 10:16:28 +0100 Interview with Rev. Assir Pereira, president of the Presbyterian Independent Church of Brazil, about his church newly joining the World Council of Churches. Rev. Pereira attended the WCC Central Committee meeting, held in Geneva from 13 to 20 February. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-08-11.html Central committee releaseia africa asia Wed, 20 Feb 2008 08:47:34 +0100 Election issues fresh from the headlines formed the focus for three public statements adopted by the World Council of Churches central committee on Tuesday 19 February in Geneva: one each on Kenya and Pakistan, and one on the larger picture of democratic electoral processes. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-08-10.html Central committee releasehealth africa Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:29:10 +0100 Dr Ezra Chitando grew up in Zimbabwe surrounded by the devastating reality of HIV/AIDS. Now he is trying to change the future for others by training clergy throughout Africa about the role of the church in engaging this disease. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-08-09.html Central committee release Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:44:00 +0100 Rev. Kjell Magne Bondevik, former prime minister of Norway and now moderator of the World Council of Churches' Commission of the Churches on International Affairs (CCIA), wants to see the WCC's public statements carry a distinctly religious tone. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-08-08.html Central committee releaseweekly ecumenism Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:38:09 +0100 The World Council of Churches central committee has approved the appointment of a search committee for a new general secretary. It is expected that the election of a new general secretary will come at the next central committee meeting in September 2009. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-08-07.html Central committee releaserelations asia Mon, 18 Feb 2008 18:27:52 +0100 Early in these Central Committee meetings (13-20 February), Central Committee members officially welcomed the Lao Evangelical Church into full fellowship as one of the newest member churches of the WCC. In an interview, the president of that body shared about his church - the first from Laos to join the WCC. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-08-06.html Central committee release Mon, 18 Feb 2008 11:48:06 +0100 Gathered in a church dating from the 12th century, the World Council of Churches seemed like a relative youngster as it celebrated its 60th anniversary Sunday 17 February. But His All Holiness Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, reminded the near-capacity congregation at Geneva's St. Pierre Cathedral that the WCC has accomplished much in its six decades. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-08-05.html Central committee releasedov Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:09:20 +0100 Kingston, Jamaica, will be the host city for the World Council of Churches' International Ecumenical Peace Convocation in 2011. The convocation will meet under the theme "Glory to God and peace on earth". It will be the culmination of the WCC's Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV), which has sought to network and bring attention to the peacemaking initiatives of its various member churches. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-08-04.html Central committee release Fri, 15 Feb 2008 11:15:04 +0100 How elastic can a WCC Assembly be? Can it expand enough from its traditional form to draw others into its circle without breaking, or stretching out of shape? Central Committee member Ms. Christina Biere of Germany used a different metaphor, that of an "ecumenical river". A broader WCC Assembly, she said, will be envisioned by those who are "not going to hold the ecumenical river between walls, but let it expand and flow". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-08-03.html Central committee releaseecumenism Thu, 14 Feb 2008 19:00:51 +0100 New expressions of Christianity. The growing prominence of the global South. The impact of globalization. Increasing religious diversity. These factors and others are contributing to a "rapidly changing ecclesial context," one that World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia addressed in his comprehensive report to the Central Committee on Thursday. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-CC2008.html News Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:24:26 AM +0100 http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-cc-08-02.html Central committee releaserelations Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:04:28 +0100 Two church communions from opposite sides of the globe were welcomed into full fellowship of the World Council of Churches Wednesday, increasing the membership of the WCC to 349. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-cc-01.html Central committee releaseecumenism Wed, 13 Feb 2008 17:26:39 +0100 Speaking during the Lenten season that builds to the central Christian hope of the risen Christ, World Council of Churches (WCC) moderator Rev. Dr Walter Altmann addressed the Central Committee on Wednesday 13 February with a renewed call to "visible unity" in the church. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-08-03.html Featuredov relations africa Mon, 11 Feb 2008 14:21:35 +0100 With peace seemingly returning to the country, churches within and outside Kenya take stock of the experiences made during a month of unrest and violence. Ecumenical visitors recall moving encounters and seek to understand. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-10.html Newsrelations orthodoxparticipation europe Fri, 8 Feb 2008 18:15:03 +0100 Joyful anticipation of a continued "close cooperation with the Church of Greece in serving the cause of Christian unity" under the leadership of Archbishop Hieronymos II was expressed in a congratulatory message to the newly elected head of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Greece by WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-08.html Newsdov relations ia africa Tue, 5 Feb 2008 08:07:00 +0100 As mediation to solve the disputed Kenyan presidential election enters a critical phase, top-level figures from the two parties met an international ecumenical delegation, which asked them to move on from the electoral dispute and seek a compromise solution. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-09.html Newsdov ia africa Tue, 5 Feb 2008 08:01:00 +0100 In Burundi, where democratic elections in 2005 fostered hopes for peace and democracy, recent crime and violence has caused the churches there to fear for the nation's stability. An ecumenical delegation led by former Mozambique president, Joaquim Chissano, visited the central African country at the invitation of the National Council of Churches in Burundi, 28-31 January. Chissano has gained international recognition for a successful disarmament programme in Mozambique. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-07.html Newsdov ia africa Fri, 1 Feb 2008 17:20:45 +0100 As Kenyan churches are struggling to help prevent the country from descending into genocide, they envision a long term healing effort that will require the sustained engagement of international ecumenical partners. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-06.html Newsdov africa Tue, 29 Jan 2008 10:50:00 +0100 Churches working for peace amidst a wave of post electoral violence in Kenya will receive a pastoral and solidarity visit of an international ecumenical delegation sent by the World Council of Churches (WCC) from 30 January to 3 February. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-05.html Newsrelations orthodoxparticipation europe Tue, 29 Jan 2008 09:40:46 +0100 The news of the death of His Beatitude Christodoulos, Archbishop of Athens and all Greece, who died yesterday at his home in Psyhico (Athens) at the age of 69, was received with "deep sadness" by the World Council of Churches (WCC) and its general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia. In a condolence letter to the Church of Greece, which the late archbishop had led since 1998, Kobia paid tribute to "a gifted head of church, an Orthodox primate looking at the modern world in an interesting and challenging way, a church leader committed to walk the path of Christian unity with courage and vision, perseverance and patience, care and humility." http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-08-02.html Featureecumenism Mon, 28 Jan 2008 15:25:59 +0100 Celebrating a 60th birthday for some is a milestone marked by visions of retirement - celebrating achievements and dreaming of new endeavours. The World Council of Churches (WCC), however, on its 60th "birthday" in 2008 does not want to rest on past feats as it looks ahead to the challenges of the 21st century. The largest, most inclusive fellowship of churches in the world, and the pre-eminent face of 20th century ecumenism, is grappling with a very different world today - politically, economically, religiously - than the one it faced following the second world war. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-04.html Newsdov accompaniment middleeast Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:13:30 +0100 In a statement issued yesterday, the heads of churches in Jerusalem and the Holy Land called on the international community and the state of Israel to end the current siege on the Gaza Strip which has caused most recently cuts in electricity and limited the shipments of medicine, fuel, food and other goods across the border. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-03.html Newsecumenism romancatholic Mon, 21 Jan 2008 11:19:52 +0100 Pope Benedict XVI and Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, the general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), along with high-level representatives of the Roman Catholic Church and the WCC, will meet in Rome on Friday, 25 January 2008, at the centennial of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Info-08-01.html Info Tue, 15 Jan 2008 04:48:37 PM +0100 As millions of Christians throughout the world mark the 100th anniversary of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in 2008, the central event in Geneva will highlight what prayer for unity means amidst situations of conflict and distress. It will culminate with an ecumenical celebration gathering members and top clerics of the main Christian confessions present in the region. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-08-01.html Featureecumenism Mon, 14 Jan 2008 16:05:28 +0100 Although prayer is certainly at the heart of Christian life, praying together is not an easy exercise for churches within worldwide Christendom. Even today, common prayers are exceptional events rather than part of the daily life of the churches. But at least once a year it has become "normal" for many churches and congregations to pray together during the annual celebration of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. In 2008, the 100th anniversary of this most meaningful ecumenical initiative is being celebrated around the globe. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-08-02.html Newsdov africa Wed, 9 Jan 2008 15:14:36 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia has called on Kenyan political leaders to keep moving towards dialogue while praising the countries' churches for their role in peacemaking. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-88.html Newsweekly ecumenism dov relations orthodoxparticipation Fri, 21 Dec 2007 23:50:00 +0100 http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-90.html Newsrelations interreligious asia middleeast Thu, 20 Dec 2007 09:49:41 +0100 A new World Council of Churches (WCC) initiative aimed at supporting Christians living in conflict situations around the world has begun. "When one part of the body suffers, the whole body suffers with it," Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, general secretary of the WCC said in a videotaped address to experts in international relations and ecumenical partners at a recent consultation held in Geneva, 8-10 December. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-07-30.html Updateindigenous racism africa asia latinamerica northamerica Mon, 17 Dec 2007 15:40:03 +0100 Churches and society at large need to offer reparation to descendants of those enslaved, tortured and murdered by the transatlantic slave trade, says an international conference sponsored by three major ecumenical organizations. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-89.html Newsweekly environment Fri, 14 Dec 2007 10:05:29 +0100 Societies must move away from "promoting endless growth and production of goods" as well as a "seemingly insatiable" consumption, says a statement presented today by the World Council of Churches to the plenary of high-level government representatives at the UN climate summit in Bali, Indonesia. While "the poorer carry the burden of the irresponsible waste of resources, energy and extreme consumerism of the richer," the statement affirms, actions should be focused on resolving "the problems of the great majority of today's world population." http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-87.html Newsdov northamerica Sat, 8 Dec 2007 14:37:00 +0100 Can churches be peacemakers in a world racked by violence? This is the question to be addressed by World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia at the Washington National Cathedral, Washington DC, on Sunday, 16 December 2007. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-85.html Newsindigenous racism africa asia latinamerica northamerica Thu, 6 Dec 2007 15:20:00 +0100 The legacies of the slave trade, and how churches can respond to past and present forms of slavery, are going to be discussed at an ecumenical conference to be held 10-14 December in Runaway Bay, Jamaica. About sixty theologians, church leaders, social scientists and activists, mainly from Africa, the Americas and the Caribbean will gather in the country where nearly one million Africans and later indentured servants from Asia were exploited as human commodities and many more transited on their often deadly passage into slavery. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-86.html Newsglobalization africa europe latinamerica pacific Thu, 6 Dec 2007 10:43:44 +0100 Concern about undue pressure exerted by the European Union on African, Caribbean and Pacific countries to sign interim Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) by the end of the year has been expressed by World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia in a 6 December letter to EU commissioner for external trade Peter Mandelson. The interim agreements open up local markets to competition with European companies without adequate legal frameworks and infrastructure in place, and they address issues which are still contentious within a deadline that prevents parliamentary discussion. Therefore these agreements represent an imminent danger of revenue loss for those countries, hindering their poverty eradication efforts, the letter affirms. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-07-31.html Featurehumanrights asia Thu, 29 Nov 2007 10:18:19 +0100 Face to face with violence and death, Philippine churches help building peace in their Southeast Asian nation where an armed conflict continues to rage, especially in the countryside. Fuelling an intensified militarization, the fight often takes a heavy toll on innocent civilians, including women and children. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-07-31.html Featurehumanrights asia Thu, 29 Nov 2007 09:36:24 +0100 Face to face with violence and death, Philippine churches help building peace in their Southeast Asian nation where an armed conflict continues to rage, especially in the countryside. Fuelling an intensified militarization, the fight often takes a heavy toll on innocent civilians, including women and children. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-84.html Newsmiddleeast Wed, 28 Nov 2007 17:51:11 +0100 "So far is just a signature, now they have to walk the talk", says Munib Younan, the bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, commenting on the results of the Annapolis Middle East conference hosted by the US administration on 27 November. Cautiously optimistic, he adds: "I do hope this is a serious attempt to achieve a lasting peace." http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-83.html Newsecumenism Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:35:22 +0100 Methodist archbishop Michael Kehinde Stephen of Nigeria has been chosen to moderate the Continuation Committee on Ecumenism in the 21st Century, a group assigned to monitor and encourage initiatives in the global quest for Christian unity. He was affirmed by consensus of the fourteen members attending the committee's first meeting during the week of 18-20 November in Bossey, Switzerland. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-82.html Newsmiddleeast Mon, 26 Nov 2007 11:49:01 +0100 Good faith, multilateral participation and adherence to the rule of law are essential if the Annapolis Middle East Conference starting Tuesday, 27 November, is to be a success, WCC general secretary Samuel Kobia writes to Condoleezza Rice, Ehud Olmert and Mahmoud Abbas. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-81.html Newstheology northamerica Mon, 26 Nov 2007 09:30:00 +0100 Rev. Canon Dr John Saint Helier Gibaut, from the Anglican Church of Canada, will head the World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission on Faith and Order as of January 2008. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-80.html Newshumanrights asia Thu, 22 Nov 2007 14:07:48 +0100 In face of what he called "escalating human rights violations," the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia announced stronger ecumenical advocacy efforts to bring the Philippines under international scrutiny. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-07-30.html Featurehumanrights asia Mon, 19 Nov 2007 16:58:58 +0100 Berlin Guerrero, a pastor of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, was driving his family back home after an evening worship service when the car was stopped by gunmen. The pastor was taken at gunpoint and dragged into a van. His hands were hogtied. A plastic bag pulled over his head nearly suffocated Guerrero and made him pass out twice, so the abductors beat him to wake him up. Guerrero was abducted and tortured to force him to admit membership in the clandestine Communist Party of the Philippines. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-79.html Newsrelations humanrights asia Fri, 16 Nov 2007 11:28:51 +0100 The global ecumenical family's concern about the growing human rights violations in the Philippines will be a major focus of the 18-21 November visit to the country by the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-78.html Newsecumenism perspectives relations orthodoxparticipation relationswithnonmember romancatholic pentecostal Thu, 15 Nov 2007 17:10:15 +0100 A handful of participants gave face and voice to an experience that many say was unprecedented, as the four-day meeting in Limuru, in the outskirts of Nairobi, brought together representatives from the broadest ever range of Christian churches, confessions and interchurch organizations. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-07-29.html Updatejpc globalization environment africa Thu, 15 Nov 2007 15:18:55 +0100 A severe reminder "of the wealth that was built and sustained on the continued extraction and plunder of Africa's resources as well as on the exploitation of Africa's people" was addressed to Christians in the global North by the participants in the African ecumenical consultation "Linking poverty, wealth and ecology" last week. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-07-28.html Updateecumenism perspectives relations orthodoxparticipation relationswithnonmember romancatholic pentecostal Mon, 12 Nov 2007 11:22:10 +0100 After four days of meetings, some 240 leaders of a broad range of churches, confessions and interchurch organizations from over 70 countries agreed to carry forward what they call "the Global Christian Forum process", an open platform for encounter and dialogue whose goal is to "foster mutual respect, explore and address common challenges". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-07-27.html Updateweekly ecumenism perspectives relations orthodoxparticipation relationswithnonmember romancatholic pentecostal Fri, 9 Nov 2007 11:29:17 +0100 Pentecostal theologian and scholar Cheryl Bridges-Johns proposed a radical reinvention of the ecumenical movement in a keynote address delivered on the third day of the Global Christian Forum which takes place 6-9 November in Limuru, near Nairobi, Kenya. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-07-16.html Featureecumenism perspectives relations orthodoxparticipation relationswithnonmember romancatholic pentecostal Thu, 8 Nov 2007 16:01:19 +0100 "Church unity is like riding a bicycle. We will fall unless we go forward." This affirmation was posed as a challenge by Korean missiologist Wonsuk Ma to participants at the Global Christian Forum taking place on 6-9 November in Limuru, near Nairobi, Kenya. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-77.html Newsecumenism perspectives relations orthodoxparticipation relationswithnonmember romancatholic pentecostal Wed, 7 Nov 2007 09:33:34 +0100 "Some would have said that this event was not possible, but here we are - and the world wonders what will come next," said the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia at the opening of the Global Christian Forum taking place in Limuru, near Nairobi, Kenya, from 6-9 November. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-76.html Newsecumenism perspectives relations orthodoxparticipation relationswithnonmember romancatholic pentecostal Mon, 5 Nov 2007 11:02:34 +0100 A unique gathering of high level church leaders to start Tuesday 6 November near Nairobi, Kenya, features the broadest range of Christian traditions ever represented at a global meeting, allowing for a discussion of unprecedented ecumenical breadth on what Christians are called to do - together if possible - in the world today. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-75.html Newsia africa Tue, 30 Oct 2007 19:50:33 +0100 Leaders from the World Council of Churches (WCC) and its member churches are calling on the United Nations and member states as part of their concerted ongoing advocacy efforts. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-74.html Newsia interreligious Tue, 30 Oct 2007 16:15:36 +0100 The United Nations and the World Council of Churches (WCC) have reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate at a meeting between the general secretaries of both organizations held on 29 October at the UN headquarters in New York. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-73.html Newsia jpc northamerica Wed, 24 Oct 2007 15:56:00 +0100 Two outstanding personalities, known to the ecumenical family for their achievements in faith-based advocacy and interfaith dialogue, have been engaged by the Geneva-based World Council of Churches (WCC) to complete its leadership team. The newly appointed staff members will head the programme on Public witness and the programme on Inter-religious dialogue and cooperation. The appointments complete a reconfiguration of the WCC staff leadership due to programmatic reshaping after the WCC 9th Assembly in 2006. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-72.html Newsdov romancatholic interreligious europe Tue, 23 Oct 2007 11:51:43 +0100 At a high-profile interfaith dialogue for peace in Naples, Italy, earlier this week, gathered religious and political leaders and intellectuals from five continents. The event which was called "For a world without violence" was organized by the Catholic community of Sant'Egidio and included a eucharistic celebration conducted by Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday, 21 October. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-71.html Newsglobalization environment africa Mon, 22 Oct 2007 15:19:50 +0100 When does the pursuit of economical wellbeing turn into greed? This is one of the questions to be discussed at a 5-9 November ecumenical consultation in Dar es Salaam. Joint church strategies and actions for addressing the interlinked problems of poverty, excessive wealth, and ecological degradation in Africa are intended results. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-70.html Newspentecostal Wed, 17 Oct 2007 17:02:41 +0100 A second round of dialogue between World Council of Churches (WCC) members and Pentecostals was inaugurated last week in Baar, Switzerland. A group of seventeen Protestant, Orthodox and Pentecostal Christians met to re-launch the work begun by the first Joint Consultative Group between the WCC and Pentecostals from 2000 to 2005. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-69.html Newsinterreligious Mon, 15 Oct 2007 18:58:13 +0100 "This letter is most welcome," said World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, especially at a time when "all of humanity is looking to religious leaders for guidance as to how to respond to the situation of violence in the world". Kobia was commenting on the letter "A Common Word between Us and You," saying that it "gives a lot of hope". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-68.html Newsecumenism Thu, 11 Oct 2007 12:18:34 +0100 Students of theology and young theologians are being invited by the World Council of Churches (WCC) to bring new perspectives and contributions to the debate about the future of the ecumenical movement by participating in an essay competition to mark the Council's 60th anniversary. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-67.html Newsglobalization Thu, 11 Oct 2007 10:49:42 +0100 Calling for alternatives to enforced free trade, churches and church-related organizations world-wide, along with other religious groups and community partners, are gearing up for the Trade Week of Action, 14-21 October. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-07-15.html Featuredov northamerica Thu, 4 Oct 2007 12:06:59 +0100 Members of an international ecumenical team representing the World Council of Churches (WCC) left the United States enriched and encouraged by the signs of hope and community commitment they witnessed at a nine-day solidarity visit during which they met US Christians struggling with issues of gun control, war and a culture of violence. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-66.html Newsdov ia relief africa Tue, 2 Oct 2007 15:21:44 +0100 There is an "international responsibility to protect people at risk in the Darfur region of Sudan and in neighbouring Chad," affirmed the World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee, calling upon the Council's member churches to bring that responsibility "to the attention of their governments". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-65.html Newsenvironment Tue, 2 Oct 2007 13:59:30 +0100 The Kyoto Protocol is "an important step forward towards a just and sustainable global climate policy regime" and as such needs to be fully implemented, however "much more radical reductions [of greenhouse gas emissions] are urgently needed," the World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee stated at its 25-28 September meeting in Etchmiadzin, Armenia. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-07-26.html Updateia middleeast Mon, 1 Oct 2007 15:39:46 +0100 The US and its allies must "settle the dispute over Iran's nuclear programme through negotiations and not through the use of military force," stated the World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee at its 25-28 September meeting in Etchmiadzin, Armenia. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-64.html Newshumanrights interreligious relief middleeast Mon, 1 Oct 2007 14:58:31 +0100 The members of the World Council of Churches (WCC) have been asked to engage "their own governments over the need to break the international silence on the humanitarian crisis in Iraq and provide greater assistance to displaced and refugee Iraqis". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-63.html Newsdov health Thu, 27 Sep 2007 10:12:12 +0100 The bloody conflict in Northern Ireland, the crimes committed under the apartheid regime in South Africa and under communist rule in eastern Germany, mass killings perpetrated by the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia or by the Guatemalan military during a 35 year long civil war: the diverse cases of these nations and their struggles to cope with the legacies of massive human rights violations are at the heart of the 1-4 October ecumenical consultation "Healing of Memories - Reconciling Communities" in Dublin, Ireland, co-organized by the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Irish School of Ecumenics. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-07-14.html Featuredov northamerica Mon, 24 Sep 2007 17:23:24 +0100 From the farms and rolling hills of Pennsylvania's serene Amish countryside where five young schoolgirls were killed a year ago, to an immersion into the inner-city violence of Philadelphia, a World Council of Churches Living Letters delegation learned first-hand of the profound tragedy that can suddenly impact everyday life. But they also saw "rays of light" where forgiveness and reconciliation are helping to create a more humane society. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-62.html Newsorthodoxparticipation Fri, 21 Sep 2007 12:46:37 +0100 An exposure visit hosted by the Armenian Apostolic Church (Holy See of Etchmiadzin), which includes a commemoration at the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex near the capital city of Yerevan, will precede the 25-28 September meeting of the World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee taking place in Etchmiadzin, Armenia. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-07-13.html Featuredov northamerica Thu, 20 Sep 2007 11:58:26 +0100 Discussions about gun control and small arms trafficking, violence in the streets and against ethnic groups, as well as the engagement by churches in peacemaking activities consumed the first days of a 10-day visit to the United States by an international ecumenical team representing the World Council of Churches (WCC). http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Info-07-04.html Info Tue, 18 Sep 2007 01:52:24 PM +0100 Prof. Andrea Riccardi, founder of the Roman Catholic lay community of Sant'Egidio, will give a public seminar on the movement's worldwide work for peace and social justice during his one-day stay in Geneva on Thursday 20. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Info-07-03.html Info Mon, 17 Sep 2007 04:55:05 PM +0100 Church and civil society experts on environment and human rights from Switzerland, South Africa, Germany, Sri Lanka, Canada and Sweden will discuss future steps and strategies in support of more action at the UN Human Rights Council on the right to water. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-61.html Newsdov northamerica Tue, 11 Sep 2007 16:06:00 +0100 Church leaders and communities facing situations of violence in New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and New Orleans will share their experiences with an international ecumenical team visiting the United States from 15-23 September. Being from South Africa, Lebanon, Pakistan and Brazil the team members will express the solidarity of churches worldwide with the US churches while learning from their peacemaking efforts concerning urban and gun violence as well as the Iraq war and community peace building. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-07-12.html Featuredov asia Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:04:35 +0100 The international community will be looking at Sri Lanka this September, as the European Union reportedly intends to bring its case before the UN Human Rights Council, a body which counts Sri Lanka amongst its members. The Council's 6th session takes place one month after the visit of an international ecumenical team that expressed solidarity with local churches and learned about their peace efforts amid a conflict that has over the past 25 years claimed 70,000 lives on both sides of the ethnic divide between the Sinhala and Tamil communities. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-60.html Newsecumenism europe Wed, 5 Sep 2007 15:04:23 +0100 "Now more than ever, the unity of the churches in Europe is needed to bear witness to a future that transcends the vision of a common economic and political future, to embrace a future in which abundant life in Jesus Christ gives hope to all people, everywhere," said World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, speaking in Sibiu, Romania on 5 September. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-59.html Newspacific Wed, 5 Sep 2007 12:47:04 +0100 As people from "a region which has experienced, and is experiencing, the effects of all the major issues that have affected the world," Pacific representatives need to be assertive "in bringing Pacific perspectives and experience into international forums," said the World Council of Churches (WCC) president from the Pacific region, Mr John Taroanui Doom, addressing participants at the 9th assembly of the Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC). http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-07-25.html Updaterelations asia Fri, 31 Aug 2007 17:12:37 +0100 "Gratitude to God and admiration for those who contributed to their liberation from captivity" was expressed by the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia in a letter of "joy and thanksgiving for the 21 church-related humanitarian workers whose lives have been spared in Afghanistan". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-58.html Newsrelations pacific Fri, 31 Aug 2007 15:31:32 +0100 Churches in the Pacific become "signs of hope" as they "bear witness to the Gospel and work together to address the issues that most concern the peoples of the region," World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia said in a message sent to the 9th assembly of the Pacific Conference of Churches. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-07-24.html Updateorthodoxparticipation europe middleeast Thu, 30 Aug 2007 11:24:00 +0100 At a time when the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople - today's Istanbul - is facing growing hardships imposed by decisions of the Turkish judiciary, members of the worldwide ecumenical family have expressed support and solidarity to His All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-07-23.html Updateromancatholic pentecostal interreligious mission Wed, 15 Aug 2007 11:27:21 +0100 The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) is ready to join the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Vatican in supporting a code of conduct to guide activities seeking converts to Christianity. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-57.html Newsrelations asia Tue, 14 Aug 2007 15:12:31 +0100 In a gesture of support toward the families of the Korean hostages being held by the Taliban in Afghanistan, Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), visited them this afternoon while on a trip to Korea. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-07-22.html Updatedov ia asia Tue, 14 Aug 2007 14:16:11 +0100 A proposal for a parallel meeting of churches from nations involved in the Six Party Talks on the Korean peninsula was endorsed by a broad range of churches over the weekend at a conference in Seoul celebrating the centenary of the Korean Great Revival of 1907 and exploring the churches' role in bringing peace to the divided nation. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-07-11.html Featurerelations asia Thu, 9 Aug 2007 12:47:07 +0100 While Korean Christianity has been making headlines because of the hostage crisis in Afghanistan, another dimension of the life and work of the Korean churches, which has gone largely unnoticed, is being recognized this week. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-56.html Newsdov youth Tue, 7 Aug 2007 16:39:47 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) will welcome five young people (aged 18-30 years) to serve as interns in its Geneva offices from February 2008 to January 2009. Interns bring valuable experiences to the WCC at the same time as they undertake several modules of ecumenical learning. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-55.html Newsecumenism theology romancatholic northamerica Tue, 7 Aug 2007 14:58:40 +0100 Churches throughout the world are preparing for next year's Week of prayer for Christian unity which will mark the 100th anniversary of the event. Worship resources in three languages have already been put at their disposal on the website of the World Council of Churches (WCC). http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-54.html Newsorthodoxparticipation romancatholic pentecostal interreligious Mon, 6 Aug 2007 13:42:18 +0100 With Evangelical and Pentecostal representatives joining in at an 8-12 August consultation in Toulouse, the joint Vatican-WCC study process on religious conversion gets one step closer to its goal of a common code of conduct in seeking converts to Christianity. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-07-10.html Featureinterreligious education youth Fri, 3 Aug 2007 12:54:19 +0100 The chapel at the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, near Geneva, in which young adults from five continents have gathered for an early morning meditation is quite an unusual place of worship. The light shining through the stained glass windows designed by the Taizé community in France shines on a set of religious symbols as disparate as Orthodox icons, a Lutheran cross and a drum from an African Christian community. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-07-10.html Featureinterreligious education youth Thu, 2 Aug 2007 15:36:43 +0100 The chapel at the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, near Geneva, in which young adults from five continents have gathered for an early morning meditation is quite an unusual place of worship. The light shining through the stained glass windows designed by the Taizé community in France shines on a set of religious symbols as disparate as Orthodox icons, a Lutheran cross and a drum from an African Christian community. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-51.html Newsdov relations ia humanrights regions asia Tue, 31 Jul 2007 16:25:00 +0100 War-torn Sri Lanka is to receive the first of a series of ecumenical "living letters" teams which will visit Christian communities facing situations of violence in different regions of the world in the run up to the 2011 International Ecumenical Peace Convocation being organized by the World Council of Churches. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-53.html Newsecumenism relations orthodoxparticipation regions europe Tue, 31 Jul 2007 14:41:00 +0100 Expressing "great sorrow" at the news of the death of His Beatitude Patriarch Teoctist, head of the Romanian Orthodox Church, who passed away on Monday, 30 July 2007, at the age of 92, the World Council of Churches' (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia paid the following tribute to "a beloved father of his people, a prominent Christian leader of our times and a committed friend of the ecumenical movement". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-52.html Newsdov ia regions asia Tue, 31 Jul 2007 12:52:40 +0100 The killing of a second Korean Christian hostage in Afghanistan has led the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea (PROK) to make an urgent call for prayer among the "entire ecumenical community around the world [...] that the killings of innocent people may stop and that these hostages may safely return to their families." http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-50.html Newsdov Mon, 30 Jul 2007 10:00:00 +0100 This coming 21 September Christians from Congo to the US, and from Colombia to Switzerland to South Korea will join in prayers during the International Day of Prayer for Peace. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-49.html Newsrelations accompaniment regions middleeast Wed, 25 Jul 2007 16:32:48 +0100 World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia and an ecumenical delegation visited member churches and Christian communities in the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel from 21-26 June. Four photo stories about the visit have just been published on the WCC website's photo gallery section. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-48.html News Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:12:12 +0100 The "entire fellowship of the Word Council of Churches (WCC) rejoices" at a successfully culminated "process of healing and reconciliation" that involved two of the Council's founding members, stated WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia in a letter welcoming the "historic achievement" today. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Info-07-02.html Info Thu, 12 Jul 2007 01:43:40 PM +0100 "How can we affirm our identity as Muslims, Jews and Christians not in separation or against each other but in relation to one another?" This is the question 21 young adults from 13 European, Middle Eastern, Asian, African and American countries are exploring during a July summer seminar at the World Council of Churches' (WCC) Ecumenical Institute in Bossey. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-47.html Newsrelations africa Thu, 12 Jul 2007 16:09:52 +0100 "Today, in order to fight poverty, Africa needs to mobilize similar efforts to those rallied against colonialism," World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia told Tanzanian church leaders. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-46.html Newsecumenism theology relationswithnonmember romancatholic Tue, 10 Jul 2007 16:40:24 +0100 "Each church is the Church catholic and not simply a part of it. Each church is the Church catholic, but not the whole of it. Each church fulfils its catholicity when it is in communion with the other churches." http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-44.html Newstheology Tue, 10 Jul 2007 11:00:00 +0100 The Faith and Order standing commission has called for a meeting of the plenary commission to take place in October, 2009. The plenary commission - noted as the most diverse church-based theological forum in the world - will bring a wealth of confessional and regional perspectives to Faith and Order's work for the unity of the church. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-45.html Newsjpc globalization africa europe middleeast Tue, 10 Jul 2007 10:34:47 +0100 Representatives of African, European and Middle Eastern churches, church-related organisations and ecumenical bodies working on migration issues and associated with the World Council of Churches (WCC) said they are "pleased to contribute to the Global Forum on Migration and Development" that will meet for the first time today and tomorrow in Brussels, Belgium. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-43.html Newsjpc globalization africa europe middleeast Thu, 5 Jul 2007 15:31:24 +0100 Representatives of churches, church-related organisations and ecumenical bodies associated with the World Council of Churches (WCC) from Africa, Europe and the Middle East will be gathering in Brussels from 6-9 July 2007 for a meeting on migration in and between these regions. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-07-09.html Featuredov middleeast Thu, 28 Jun 2007 11:11:42 +0100 "I come from a wounded Iraq and a severely wounded Baghdad," said the man in black habit standing in front of some 130 silent church representatives from six continents gathered for a peace conference on the Middle East. "The situation in my country is tragic," the man continued. "We were promised freedom, but what we need today is freedom to have electricity, clean water, to satisfy the basic needs of life, to live without fear of being abducted." http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-07-21.html Updatedov relations accompaniment middleeast Wed, 27 Jun 2007 16:58:02 +0100 Local churches in Palestine/Israel are looking to the whole fellowship of the World Council of Churches (WCC) to play a stronger role in supporting local churches' struggles for a just peace there. This is the main finding of a delegation led by the Council's general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia that visited Palestine/Israel from 21 to 26 June. A new advocacy forum launched prior to the visit, and ecumenical accompaniment are high on the churches' list of actions in pursuit of this goal. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-07-20.html Updatedov relations accompaniment middleeast Mon, 25 Jun 2007 16:47:06 +0100 Heads of churches in Jerusalem have welcomed the Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum launched in Jordan last week. They voiced satisfaction with the new advocacy initiative at meetings with World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia during his 21-26 June visit to the Holy Land. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-07-08.html Featurejpc women youth africa asia europe middleeast Thu, 21 Jun 2007 15:50:35 +0100 Churches around the world are concerned about the fate of migrants fleeing from poverty or violence in their home countries. In Africa, the promise of a better life is luring many young people to Europe and the USA, where a lot of them end up as illegal migrants. In Sri Lanka, the armed conflict between government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is producing migrants by the thousands who now live in fear of abduction. In Jordan and Syria, some Iraqi Christians have waited for immigrants' visas for more than ten years. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-07-19.html Updatedov relations accompaniment middleeast Thu, 21 Jun 2007 11:23:58 +0100 A new ecumenical advocacy initiative launched at the culmination of a World Council of Churches (WCC) conference in Jordan this week, is to help churches worldwide work for a just peace in Palestine/Israel. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-07-18.html Updatedov relations accompaniment middleeast Tue, 19 Jun 2007 13:18:59 +0100 Doing justice to the Palestinian people would bring about security for Israel, while delaying the end of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories feeds extremism and terrorism, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Michel Sabbah told participants at a church conference for peace in Middle East yesterday. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-42.html Newsrelations accompaniment middleeast Mon, 18 Jun 2007 14:57:14 +0100 World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia will visit member churches and Christian communities in the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel on 21-26 June. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-07-07.html Featurejpc environment water women africa Thu, 14 Jun 2007 10:26:37 +0100 Khadija Kagoya, a widow and a mother of six, hails from Busowobi, a village in Uganda's Busoga region about 120 kilometres east of Kampala, whose inhabitants grow maize, cassava and bananas for a livelihood. Busowobi used to suffer from a lack of sufficient and safe water, and from water-borne diseases. But that was before community members, including Kagoya, got involved in a campaign against water scarcity initiated by the Busoga Trust, an Anglican Church-based organization helping to provide safe water, sanitation and hygiene education in Busoga rural communities. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-41.html Newsdov ia jpc regions middleeast Tue, 12 Jun 2007 15:35:14 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) is convening an international conference called "Churches together for Peace with Justice in the Middle East" in Jordan, 17-21 June. The event will address prospects for peace in Israel and Palestine and launch a new church advocacy forum. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-07-17.html Updatedov ia accompaniment middleeast Thu, 7 Jun 2007 18:09:45 +0100 Praying with Jerusalem's Christians, marching to the White House or sponsoring one of 14,609 olive trees are among the activities taking place in "International Church Action for Peace in Palestine and Israel" this week. The initiative is organized by member churches and related organizations of the World Council of Churches to mark 40 years of the occupation of East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza. It involves public activities and messages to governments in North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-07-16.html Updateeurope Thu, 7 Jun 2007 14:01:43 +0100 If religion can fuel conflicts, globalization also contributes a great deal to the emergence of new ethno-religious conflicts according to World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia. Delivering a keynote lecture today at the German Protestant "Kirchentag", the largest Protestant gathering in Germany, Kobia affirmed that in such conflicts, Christians are called by the gospel to work towards healing and reconciliation. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-07-06.html Featurewater africa Thu, 7 Jun 2007 10:00:00 +0100 From Darfur in western Sudan to Mt Elgon in Kenya, the absence of water for rural communities is emerging as a major cause of conflict on the African continent. In Darfur, the story is one of pain and desperation for the nearly two million displaced persons. And the organizations that work in the area are convinced that it is battles for water and pasture that sparked it off. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-40.html Newseurope Tue, 5 Jun 2007 17:05:26 +0100 World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia will speak at the 31st German Protestant "Kirchentag" in Cologne, addressing the issue of "How can religions live together?" http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-39.html Newshumanrights globalization africa Tue, 5 Jun 2007 14:51:46 +0100 "The impact of migration on the church and the ecclesial context" is the theme of a 6-8 June 2007 conference in Nairobi, Kenya of the Global Ecumenical Network on Migration (GEM). To be opened by Kenya's minister for immigration, and hosted by the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), the conference will be attended by representatives of churches, church-related organizations and ecumenical bodies in Africa, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Latin America, the Middle East, North America and the Pacific. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-07-15.html Updatedov ia accompaniment middleeast Tue, 5 Jun 2007 12:23:17 +0100 On Sunday, 3 June, in an ecumenical service held in Jerusalem's St. Stephens Church to mark the anniversary of the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, church leaders called for an end to 40 years of Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and emphasized the church's commitment to non-violence in the service of peace. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-07-14.html Updaterelations europe Mon, 4 Jun 2007 11:46:58 +0100 Perseverance, a cardinal virtue that enabled them to survive decades of Soviet domination, is "no longer enough" for Estonian churches confronting "a newly materialistic and in many ways a 'post-Christian' culture". This view of the current context and challenges to the country's churches was shared by World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia with Estonian church leaders in the country's capital, Tallin, on Friday 1 June. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-38.html Newsecumenism Wed, 30 May 2007 14:09:52 +0100 A newly appointed commission with representatives of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and several Christian World Communions met for the first time, affirming the complementary witness of ecumenical partners. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-07-13.html Updatewater Tue, 29 May 2007 16:59:36 +0100 "Our sharing of experiences revealed that water supply, sanitation and protection of the environment should never be separated, but worked on in a holistic approach," says the final statement of the "Churches for Water in Africa" conference, held on 21-25 May in Entebbe, Uganda. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-37.html Newsdov ia accompaniment middleeast Tue, 29 May 2007 11:00:00 +0100 To highlight the urgency of peace in Palestine and Israel after 40 years of occupation, the World Council of Churches (WCC), member churches and related organizations are organizing a week of prayers, seminars and advocacy to mark this June's anniversary of the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. The goal of the week is to raise awareness in churches and civil society and to impress upon governments the need for new efforts to end the conflict and negotiate a just settlement. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-29.html Newsecumenism perspectives theology dov relations orthodoxparticipation relationswithnonmember romancatholic pentecostal ia humanrights accompaniment interreligious mission health education jpc globalization environment water women indigenous youth disabilities racism relief regions africa asia europe latinamerica middleeast northamerica pacific Thu, 24 May 2007 18:00:00 +0100 "When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from Heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they where sitting. Divided tongues, as a fire, appeared among them. And a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability" (Acts 2:1-4 NRSV). http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-07-05.html Featureenvironment water africa Thu, 24 May 2007 17:09:17 +0100 "In my childhood, the water was so clear that you could see the hard rock at the bottom. Fishing for trout was so easy. We enjoyed it. When we used our fishing rods, we could see ourselves catching the fish," says Professor Jesse Mugambi, a member of the World Council of Churches (WCC) working group on Climate Change. "But then we started to grow coffee and tea. First the rivers were polluted because of erosion, and then there was no water." http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-36.html Newsrelations europe Thu, 24 May 2007 16:27:36 +0100 World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia is to pay an official visit to Latvia (29-31 May) and to Estonia (31 May - 2 June). The main topics of the agenda will be the role of churches and the ecumenical challenges in secularized, post-communist societies which have recently regained independence. Press conferences are scheduled in both countries (see below). http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-35.html Newsorthodoxparticipation middleeast Wed, 23 May 2007 15:06:08 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) has received with "deep concern" the recent withdrawal of Jordan's recognition of Patriarch Theophilos III as the head of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and requested the decision to be reconsidered. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-07-12.html Updaterelations africa Tue, 22 May 2007 15:13:36 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary, Rev Dr. Samuel Kobia, visited the Eritrean capital of Asmara on 16-19 May 2007. He met church representatives and the president of the country and affirmed the Council's commitment to churches engaged in peace, reconciliation and nation building efforts. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-34.html Newsglobalization Fri, 18 May 2007 12:05:50 +0100 "The nature of the current leadership change at the World Bank is a timely reminder of the need for reform in how international financial institutions are governed," World Council of Churches (WCC) acting general secretary Dr William Temu said today, in reaction to news of the resignation of World Bank president Paul Wolfowitz. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-33.html Newswater africa Thu, 17 May 2007 23:00:00 +0100 According to some estimates, over 300 million people in sub-Saharan Africa lack adequate access to safe water. What can churches do to help ensure sufficient and safe water - a basic human right - for all the continent's inhabitants? http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-07-04.html Featuremission Thu, 17 May 2007 10:00:00 +0100 A global conference on Christian mission has been proposed for late 2011 by the Commission on World Mission and Evangelism of the World Council of Churches (WCC). The commission, newly elected and reconstituted following the WCC's February 2006 assembly in Porto Alegre, Brazil, includes delegates from member churches of the Council as well as from the Roman Catholic Church and several other Christian bodies not in full membership of the WCC. The recommendation for a 2011 conference was made on 26 April at the close of a commission meeting in Geneva, and it will go to the WCC central committee for action. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-32.html Newsrelations africa Wed, 16 May 2007 16:24:18 +0100 World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia is visiting Eritrea 16-19 May 2007. Kobia will meet church and other religious leaders as well as top government officials. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-31.html Newshealth Wed, 16 May 2007 11:34:38 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) has welcomed a resolution on rational use of medicines to be considered by the 60th World Health Assembly taking place in Geneva 14-23 May 2007. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-30.html Newsdov orthodoxparticipation europe northamerica Tue, 15 May 2007 16:30:53 +0100 Christian scholars from Europe and US will discuss peace, justice and security and how they relate to religion, spirituality and healing at an international ecumenical conference on "Forgiveness, peace and reconciliation" to be held 17-20 May 2007 in Volos, Greece. The current situations in Cyprus, Serbia, Russia, Ireland and the Middle East will be amongst case studies considered in a conference section on "Orthodoxy in situations of conflict". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Info-07-01.html Info Thu, 10 May 2007 02:10:31 PM +0100 As struggles over the global war on terrorism continue to rage, many in the United States and around the world do not understand the course of events that led from September 11, 2001, to the current expanded conflict. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-28.html Newsecumenism europe Thu, 10 May 2007 16:34:38 +0100 "Together for Europe 2007", an ecumenical gathering to be held 10-12 May in Stuttgart, Germany, has been hailed with "great joy" by Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC). In a message to participants, Kobia expressed his hope that their experience will enable Christians "to continue growing together in a spirituality of unity and love". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-07-11.html Updateecumenism perspectives europe Thu, 3 May 2007 18:18:05 +0100 Churches rediscovering the biblical call to unity and caring for life together is the World Council of Churches' vision for re-invigorating ecumenism in the 21st century, according to Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, the general secretary of the WCC. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-27.html Newsinterreligious europe middleeast Wed, 2 May 2007 14:10:55 +0100 The "savage murders" of three Christians in Malatya, Turkey, on 18 April are "the latest tragedy" in a series of "killings and other threats directed at members and leaders of religious minorities" in the country that are of "serious concern" and cause "deep revulsion" and "dismay", the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia has told Turkish authorities. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-07-10.html Updateecumenism relations europe Tue, 1 May 2007 17:05:37 +0100 Healing wounded memories is an essential feature of the search for Christian unity, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia told participants at a public seminar in Dublin, Ireland on Monday 30 April. A day earlier, in a sermon preached in Edinburgh, Scotland, he affirmed that churches are recognizing that "without each other, none of them is being fully church". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-07-09.html Updateecumenism relations mission europe Fri, 27 Apr 2007 12:29:09 +0100 On the threshold of the 100th anniversary celebration of the 1910 Edinburgh World Mission Conference, widely regarded as the symbolic starting point of the modern ecumenical movement, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia offered a sober analysis of the past century's achievements and failures, and called for an "ecumenically responsible evangelism". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-07-08.html Updaterelations globalization europe Wed, 25 Apr 2007 14:28:28 +0100 Global migration poses new challenges for churches worldwide, the WCC general secretary told the churches of Wales at the start of a trip to the UK and Ireland. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-26.html Newsdov ia asia Mon, 23 Apr 2007 12:43:30 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) has strongly appealed to the government of Sri Lanka and the rebel organization Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) "to return to the obligations" of a February 2002 cease fire agreement that both have violated, and to "seek durable solutions to end the fighting that is affecting the lives of so many people". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-25.html Newsrelations europe Fri, 20 Apr 2007 09:51:40 +0100 The comprehensive programme of Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia's forthcoming (24 April to 4 May) visit to the UK and Ireland will afford the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary with many opportunities for new insights into the life and current work of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland's (CTBI) member churches. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-24.html Newsecumenism theology orthodoxparticipation mission education jpc Wed, 18 Apr 2007 10:11:26 +0100 Six committed ecumenists, each with significant experience in specific fields of ecumenical endeavour, have been appointed to take up key leadership roles within the Geneva-based World Council of Churches (WCC). The newly appointed staff members will head five programmes plus a planning and integration office, all of which are the result of programmatic reshaping following the WCC 9th Assembly in 2006. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-23.html Newsdov ia northamerica Tue, 17 Apr 2007 13:54:32 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia has expressed "deep sorrow" over "this new horror of random violence" that took place at Virginia Tech University. To his prayers for the families and the wounded, he adds international church concern for more effective regulation of firearms. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-22.html Newsromancatholic Fri, 13 Apr 2007 17:10:00 +0100 World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia has sent the head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI a greeting in honour of the pontiff's 80th birthday. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-21.html Newsenvironment Tue, 10 Apr 2007 11:01:43 +0100 What are the implications of climate change for development in a world where years of development efforts are destroyed in a few seconds or hours by a hurricane or a single flood? This will be the subject of a 12-15 April 2007 consultation in London hosted by Christian Aid and sponsored by the World Council of Churches (WCC) Working Group on Climate Change. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-19.html Newsdov Wed, 28 Mar 2007 10:00:00 +0100 Concrete plans to mobilize churches around the world for peace were approved by the World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee in early March. What is expected to become a major worldwide mobilization of churches for peace will culminate with an International Ecumenical Peace Convocation to be held in early May 2011 and an Ecumenical Declaration on Just Peace. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-20.html Newsecumenism relations Mon, 26 Mar 2007 17:06:48 +0100 The "strong relationship" between the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and the World Council of Churches (WCC) has been characterized "not only by mutual accountability and reciprocity on the journey towards unity, but by the common witness of the member churches in the service of all humanity" says a message addressed to the LWF on its 60th anniversary by the WCC. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-18.html Newsafrica europe Thu, 22 Mar 2007 09:56:23 +0100 "People of African descent in the diaspora and in Africa await an unambiguous apology and clear sign from European nations that acknowledges their participation in this terrible part of colonial history" that was the slave trade, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia has told UK prime minister Tony Blair. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-17.html Newsia humanrights asia Mon, 19 Mar 2007 09:47:20 +0100 An ecumenical report and a call to action documenting human rights violations in the Philippines will be launched today in Geneva (Palais des Nations, Room XXVII, 14:00), within the framework of the current session of the UN Human Rights Council. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-16.html Newsdov ia middleeast northamerica Thu, 15 Mar 2007 09:02:13 +0100 In a statement for the fourth anniversary on 19 March of the invasion of Iraq, the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia warns of "further carnage and destruction" because "the sponsors of this tragic war insist on carrying on military pursuits". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-15.html Newsia europe Mon, 12 Mar 2007 11:19:26 +0100 Ahead of an upcoming vote in the UK parliament on the government's plan to replace the Trident nuclear weapons system, the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia has written to WCC member churches in the country praising and expressing support for their efforts to stop this. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-14.html Newsia humanrights jpc globalization environment africa asia latinamerica pacific Thu, 8 Mar 2007 17:21:43 +0100 Nearly 1,300 religious advocates are expected for this year's Ecumenical Advocacy Days taking place 9-12 March in Washington, DC on the theme, "... and how are the children?" http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-13.html Newsdov ia accompaniment middleeast Wed, 7 Mar 2007 22:00:00 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) is launching an international, inter-church advocacy initiative for peace in Israel and Palestine - the Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum - at a conference June 17-21, 2007, in Jordan. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-12.html Newsdov ia humanrights interreligious africa Fri, 2 Mar 2007 10:23:28 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee has expressed worries about the "deteriorating human rights situation in Ethiopia and Eritrea", while encouraging the establishment of a "joint Christian and Muslim Peace Committee for Somalia". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-11.html Newsia Thu, 1 Mar 2007 14:25:41 +0100 The need for churches to be vigilant about nuclear proliferation has been stressed by the World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee in a statement adopted at its 27 February - 2 March meeting in Bossey, near Geneva. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-10.html Newsdov ia Thu, 1 Mar 2007 11:44:41 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee has expressed appreciation for the establishment of the UN Peacebuilding Commission, and urged WCC member churches to encourage and support its efforts. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-07-03.html Featurerelations asia Wed, 28 Feb 2007 09:41:25 +0100 Just before his departure for Geneva, Switzerland, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia summed up his impressions of his recently concluded visit to southern India by saying that it had been an unparalleled opportunity to experience the "vibrant life" of the churches and their local traditions. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-09.html Newsenvironment Tue, 20 Feb 2007 15:51:03 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) has endorsed a groundbreaking climate change statement, fruit of an unprecedented consensus among high-level representatives of the corporate world as well as civil, religious and educational institutions. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-07-07.html Updaterelations asia Mon, 19 Feb 2007 16:34:31 +0100 After having issued this news release from our Geneva office last Monday, we have just learnt that on last Sunday's valedictory session at the Maramon Convention in Kerala, India, our general secretary decided not to use the prepared text of his sermon. He preached a sermon with a stronger pastoral tone addressing concerns brought to his attention by exchanges and experiences he had with participants at the meeting. The second part of the release is however accurate. I apologize for any inconvenience. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-08.html Newsdov europe Mon, 19 Feb 2007 12:12:04 +0100 "Make me a channel of your peace" was the theme for a celebration of common commitment to overcome violence at a gathering of Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican and Protestant church representatives on 17 February in Wittenberg, Germany. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-07.html Newsia asia Thu, 15 Feb 2007 15:17:00 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia has welcomed as "a major breakthrough" the 13 February agreement at the Six Party Talks in Beijing, under which the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) committed itself to take initial steps towards denuclearisation in return for energy and economic aid. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-07-06.html Updaterelations asia Wed, 14 Feb 2007 16:37:29 +0100 The future of the ecumenical movement is at stake in a contest between the Bible and MTV, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia said today in India. He affirmed the potential of young people to revitalize the ecumenical movement by posing challenging questions. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-07-05.html Updaterelations asia Tue, 13 Feb 2007 16:55:53 +0100 India is a "viable and vibrant democracy" of "manifold diversity" which has become a "major global power" marked by rapid economic growth and economic expansion, according to the Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC). Addressing a gathering in Chennai today, he joined in this year's celebration of India's 60th anniversary of independence while also regretting the nation's contemporary "setbacks of poverty and violence, casteism and fundamentalism of many sorts". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-06.html Newsrelations asia Mon, 12 Feb 2007 12:11:12 +0100 World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia will be the chief guest and a main speaker at the 112th Maramon Convention, which takes place 11-18 February at Maramon, Kerala, India, and is the largest Christian gathering in Asia. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-05.html Newsrelations globalization relief Tue, 6 Feb 2007 13:48:33 +0100 "The capacity of the ecumenical movement to respond to the challenges of today’s world depends to a large extent on more creative and future-oriented forms of co-operation and networking," said World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia today. Kobia was speaking at the first assembly of ACT Development, a new alliance of churches and related organizations working on development. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-04.html Newsia jpc environment Fri, 2 Feb 2007 11:49:29 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) programme on climate change and water has welcomed a report released today by the UN climate panel. The fourth major report in 20 years from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) presents the overwhelming scientific consensus on greenhouse gas emissions. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-07-02.html Featurejpc globalization environment water africa Fri, 26 Jan 2007 14:37:35 +0100 A glass of water could tell a whole story. Like the glass Dunstan Ddamulira was offered recently in the Ugandan countryside. "In my country [Uganda]," Ddamulira says, "you can't be refused water to drink. So I stopped by at this house and asked for a glass of water. A girl gave it to me. It was 50 percent mud." And to prove what he says, he shows a picture he took with his cell phone. It is 50 percent mud. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-07-04.html Updatejpc globalization environment africa Thu, 25 Jan 2007 17:54:01 +0100 "Mozambique is owed an ecological debt by those who constructed and have made profits from the dams of the Zambezi River, that is to say, the Portuguese government and the South African company Eskom," Malawian economist Francis Ng'ambi told participants at a World Council of Churches (WCC) workshop on ecological debt at the 20-25 January World Social Forum in Nairobi, Kenya. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-52.html Newsecumenism theology Thu, 25 Jan 2007 14:34:00 +0100 He even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak (Mk 7:37) - the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in 2007 (traditionally celebrated from 18-25 January) calls Christians to express their growing unity both by "breaking the silence" and by joining together in responding to human suffering. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-07-03.html Updatedov ia humanrights Wed, 24 Jan 2007 18:41:51 +0100 The international community's responsibility to protect endangered populations when their governments fail to do so - if necessary, by the use of force - and church support for such measures was the subject of a lively debate at a World Council of Churches (WCC) workshop at the 20-25 January World Social Forum in Nairobi, Kenya. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-07-01.html Featurejpc globalization africa asia Wed, 24 Jan 2007 11:16:37 +0100 Why have an alarming number of Indian farmers taken their lives over the last years? Why are people in the rural Jang Seong county near Kwangju, South Korea, getting involved in organic farming? Why are church-sponsored organizations in Brazil working to recover native seeds? The answer to these questions has a lot to do with the impact of economic globalization on agriculture, where two models are currently locked in a life-and-death contest. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-07-02.html Updatejpc globalization environment africa Tue, 23 Jan 2007 12:07:35 +0100 At the World Social Forum in Nairobi, speakers at a workshop organized by the World Council of Churches (WCC) said that wealth, poverty and ecology are strongly linked to each other and to society's commitment to the common good. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-07-01.html Newsdov jpc globalization africa Tue, 23 Jan 2007 11:23:59 +0100 The war on terror will "never" be won "as long as there are conditions in the world that make people desperate," like dehumanizing poverty, disease and ignorance, Nobel laureate and former Archbishop Desmond Tutu told ecumenical participants at the start of the 2007 World Social Forum (WSF) in Nairobi. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-03.html Newsjpc globalization environment africa Thu, 18 Jan 2007 16:02:05 +0100 Ceremonies in Nairobi's Holy Family Roman Catholic Basilica and All Saints Anglican Cathedral and a procession from one to the other church are part of events being organized by the All Africa Conference of Churches/Caritas Ecumenical Platform to mark the opening of the 7th World Social Forum (WSF). http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-02.html Newsecumenism perspectives Mon, 15 Jan 2007 10:20:29 +0100 "It is together that we find our place in the world," the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary writes WCC member churches and ecumenical partners in a message about priorities for the years ahead. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-07-01.html Newsdov accompaniment interreligious middleeast Mon, 15 Jan 2007 10:00:00 +0100 In a message to all the Palestinian people, Jerusalem church leaders alarmed at worsening relations between two main political parties are calling for an end to violence and an urgent return to the "real priorities" of Palestinians. The plan is to work with Jerusalem's top Islamic leaders on a similar Christian-Muslim message as well. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-53.html Newshumanrights middleeast Sat, 30 Dec 2006 10:45:17 +0100 At the execution of Saddam Hussein, the World Council of Churches' General Secretary issued a statement asking God to grant the nation of Iraq "the mercy, justice and compassion that it has long been denied" and "an end to fear and death that marked Saddam Hussein's rule and that continue now". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-46.html Newsecumenism Mon, 25 Dec 2006 12:00:00 +0100 St Luke recounts the story of the heavenly host of angels who announced the birth of Jesus to shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem; it was to this group of people sleeping rough with the animals that the angels of light, joy and beauty first announced the frightening but great and good news: "A saviour is born..., rejoice, rejoice!". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-51.html Newsia humanrights middleeast Thu, 14 Dec 2006 14:05:29 +0100 World Council of Churches (WCC) acting director for international affairs Mr Clement John has today called international attention to three "telling events" in the Middle East, all of which, he says, "involve denial and great danger". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-50.html Newsmiddleeast Wed, 13 Dec 2006 17:07:53 +0100 With the urgent necessity of peace in Israel and Palestine at the top of the agenda, a World Council of Churches meeting has begun work on setting up an international forum to galvanize world-wide church advocacy for the Middle East. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-06-21.html Updatetheology dov Mon, 11 Dec 2006 15:15:13 +0100 "The cross calls us not to glorify, but to attend to the suffering in the world and to struggle for its elimination," said the participants of a theological consultation on cruelty organized by the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The conference took place 5-8 December in Puidoux, Switzerland. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Info-06-06.html Info Mon, 4 Dec 2006 04:12:07 PM +0100 "Another kind of war - the sanctions regime of the UN in Iraq" is the title of a book by leading Iraq specialist Dr Hans-C. Graf von Sponeck. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-49.html Newstheology dov Thu, 30 Nov 2006 13:58:14 +0100 What does cruelty have to do with theology? Some 25 theologians from all over the world will gather on 5-8 December in Cret-Berard (near Lausanne, Switzerland), to discuss why and to what extent cruelty can be considered as a new theme for theological reflection. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-48.html Newsecumenism perspectives Wed, 29 Nov 2006 12:26:41 +0100 In a statement released today, the World Council of Churches (WCC) has welcomed the affirmation that, after 2010, the "LWF and WARC would no longer hold global assemblies of their own, given a satisfactory development in this area". The affirmation was made by a joint meeting of the officers of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) with the executive committee of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-06-07.html Featureecumenism asia Tue, 28 Nov 2006 12:20:54 +0100 Founded in 1932 as a traditional rural church, the Tek-Tung congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Taiwan is anything but traditional today. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-06-20.html Updateecumenism asia Tue, 28 Nov 2006 11:15:38 +0100 Visits to both rural and urban ministries of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT) among Indigenous peoples were the highlight on the second day of the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary's visit to the country. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-06-19.html Updateecumenism asia Mon, 27 Nov 2006 14:02:00 +0100 "The way we live our faith as churches ecumenically informs our common witness, just as our failure to act together and to give a clear witness to the world reflects our failure to be church," World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia said in an address to theology teachers and students in Taipei City. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-06-18.html Updateecumenism asia Fri, 24 Nov 2006 12:48:55 +0100 A press conference and a visit to a church-supported village for prisoners' children were among the highlights at the end of a 15-22 November visit to China by World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-06-17.html Updateecumenism asia Thu, 23 Nov 2006 16:19:16 +0100 Issues relating to Chinese government policies with regard to development, international cooperation, and the role of religion in building a "harmonious society" were addressed by World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia and members of a WCC delegation at their meeting with Mr Jia Qinglin, chairperson of the Chinese People's Consultative Conference, on 21 November in Beijing. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-06-16.html Updateecumenism asia Thu, 23 Nov 2006 10:48:02 +0100 How many Christians and believers of other faiths are there in China? This apparently simple question was raised by World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia and members of a WCC delegation at their meeting with China's Minister of Religious Affairs Mr Ye Xiaowen and other senior officials of the State Administration for Religious Affairs on 20 November in Beijing. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-47.html Newsecumenism asia Wed, 22 Nov 2006 14:04:31 +0100 World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia heads an ecumenical delegation that will visit Taiwan from 23-26 November at the invitation of the Presbyterian Church of Taiwan (PCT), the WCC's member church in the country. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-06-15.html Updateecumenism asia Mon, 20 Nov 2006 17:40:32 +0100 "Increased power must always signify increased accountability and increased responsibility," said World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia in reference to what he identified as the "challenges that come with the growing integration of the Chinese economy into the so-called world market, and the new role China assumes as a nation in global politics". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-06-14.html Updateecumenism asia Mon, 20 Nov 2006 11:58:26 +0100 "In China, we say we are post-denominational and are engaging in theological reconstruction; we are no longer Presbyterian or Methodist or Anglican," Bishop K. H. Ting told a World Council of Churches (WCC) delegation. "The church in China must be Chinese, and should not attempt to make itself foreign in any way," he said. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-06-13.html Updateecumenism asia Fri, 17 Nov 2006 16:23:44 +0100 On the second day of a 15-22 November World Council of Churches (WCC) visit to China, general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia characterized Christianity in the country as being "rooted in the soil", and suggested that the WCC's member church in the country needs to interpret itself and the story of the church in China. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-06-12.html Updatejpc environment africa pacific Fri, 17 Nov 2006 09:46:43 +0100 "Listen to the scientists and the cry of the Earth and address the reality of climate change with the extreme urgency that it demands" is the WCC's call to delegates at the second meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (MOP 2) and to the concurrent, 12th, session of the Conference of the Parties to the Climate Change Convention (COP 12). http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-06-11.html Updateecumenism asia Thu, 16 Nov 2006 10:57:17 +0100 The unique contribution of Chinese Christians to the ecumenical movement was highlighted yesterday in Shanghai by the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia at the beginning of a November 15-22 visit to China. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-45.html Newsecumenism asia Mon, 13 Nov 2006 15:20:39 +0100 World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia is leading an ecumenical delegation to visit the People's Republic of China (15-22 November). It will be Kobia's first visit as WCC general secretary to China. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-44.html Newsdov interreligious northamerica Mon, 6 Nov 2006 10:09:14 +0100 An inter-religious seminar on the "spiritual dimensions underlying the crisis in violence" will be part of a 13-15 November public event in Rochester, New York (USA) focusing on violence and the how faith communities can respond to it. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Info-06-05.html Infojpc globalization Tue, 24 Oct 2006 05:09:23 PM +0100 World Social Forum (WSF) co-founder and 2006 Right Livelihood Award-winner Chico Whitaker from Brazil has something new and exciting to say about how a people-centred economic model can supplant the currently dominant neo-liberal global economic model. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-43.html Newsdov accompaniment middleeast Fri, 20 Oct 2006 15:08:39 +0100 A new group of 25 ecumenical accompaniers have just begun three months of working with the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI). The group includes the first Hindu and the second Muslim to participate in the programme, the former from South Africa and the latter from the UK. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-06-06.html Featureecumenism education Thu, 19 Oct 2006 14:53:00 +0100 Amidst the quiet vineyards overlooking Lake Geneva is a place that can seem an unlikely setting for the preparation of future church leaders. And yet the WCC's Ecumenical Institute at Bossey has been a unique international centre for Christian dialogue and learning for six decades, since its creation in 1946. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-42.html Newsecumenism globalization Mon, 16 Oct 2006 11:09:14 +0100 The Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Grameen Bank's creator Muhammad Yunus not only recognizes his "creative genius in promoting his concept of microcredit, but also testifies to the fact that genuine economic and social development has to grow from below if it is to be accessible for the people," the World Council of Churches (WCC) said today in a congratulatory message. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-41.html Newsia Mon, 16 Oct 2006 09:53:11 +0100 In a letter congratulating South Korean foreign minister Ban Ki-Moon on his election 13 October as United Nations secretary-general, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia notes the Korean's "rich experience" as international diplomat and civil servant, assures him of the Council's prayers and support, and emphasizes that reform of the United Nations is an "important task" facing the new UN head. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-39.html Newsdov ia humanrights Tue, 10 Oct 2006 10:10:00 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) has congratulated the sponsoring states of a draft resolution on conventional arms control currently before the United Nations General Assembly and urged them to include in the text a specific reference to international human rights law. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-40.html Newsdov ia asia Mon, 9 Oct 2006 14:45:35 +0100 As news on the North Korean nuclear test is breaking on 9 October, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia asks for the response to be peaceful, lawful and collective. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-38.html Newsecumenism africa Fri, 6 Oct 2006 15:54:19 +0100 "You have challenged and pushed us never to adjust to the powers that are, but always to discern the signs of God's coming kingdom and to act accordingly." http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-37.html Newsorthodoxparticipation ia middleeast Tue, 3 Oct 2006 11:12:07 +0100 "The World Council of Churches (WCC) calls for the prompt and unqualified recognition of His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilus III as the primate of the Greek Orthodox Church of Jerusalem by the Government of Israel," said WCC general secretary, Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia in a letter sent to Israel's prime minister Ehud Olmert on 29 September. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-36.html Newshumanrights latinamerica Thu, 28 Sep 2006 14:09:11 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) will continue to offer pastoral accompaniment to the relatives of a group of imprisoned people known as the "Cuban Five", and will advocate for the relatives' right to visit them. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-35.html Newsjpc globalization Thu, 14 Sep 2006 11:54:14 +0100 World Trade Organization (WTO) director-general Pascal Lamy met with representatives of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA) on 14 September at Geneva's Ecumenical Centre. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-CC2006.html News Wed, 30 Aug 2006 10:25:33 AM +0100 http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-34.html Newsdov latinamerica middleeast Thu, 24 Aug 2006 12:14:24 +0100 "Praying for peace is an essential part of Christian worship and, indeed, of human existence," says World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia about the International Day of Prayer for Peace, to be celebrated on 21 September 2006. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-33.html Newsecumenism Tue, 22 Aug 2006 10:02:58 +0100 The newly-elected moderator of the World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee speaks in this interview about the beauty of the ecumenical vision and the enthusiasm it engenders, the scandal of divisions between Christians, and his dream of churches which allow themselves to be renewed so as to experience the unity of the Christian family. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-32.html Newsecumenism perspectives racism latinamerica Fri, 18 Aug 2006 17:32:48 +0100 "Generations of activists within church and society have benefited from Philip's advice and guidance," World Council of Churches' (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia said today about the Council's third general secretary, Rev. Dr Philip Potter. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-31.html Newsdov ia accompaniment interreligious middleeast Wed, 16 Aug 2006 18:38:06 +0100 "Why such awful destruction?" was the question heard over and over again by members of an ecumenical pastoral delegation in relation to Israel's attacks on Lebanon. Entrusted by the WCC, the Conference of European Churches (CEC), the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), and the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) with the mission of expressing global ecumenical solidarity with churches and people affected by the conflict in the Middle East, the delegation returned with the task of transmitting the hopes and expectations of the churches in Lebanon, Palestine and Israel to the international ecumenical family. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Info-06-04.html Info Mon, 14 Aug 2006 01:40:20 PM +0100 Having witnessed at first hand the terrible toll on civilian populations as well as the destruction caused by the current conflict in the region, the three members of an ecumenical pastoral delegation returning from a 10-15 August visit to Beirut and Jerusalem will report on their experiences at a press briefing. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-30.html Newsdov ia accompaniment interreligious middleeast Wed, 9 Aug 2006 12:20:30 +0100 Entrusted with the mission of expressing global ecumenical solidarity with churches and people affected by the current conflict in the Middle East, a three-member ecumenical pastoral delegation composed of representatives of the Conference of European Churches (CEC), the Catholic Bishops' Conference of France, and the World Council of Churches (WCC) today left Cyprus by boat en route for Beirut. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-29.html Newsdov ia accompaniment interreligious europe middleeast northamerica Tue, 8 Aug 2006 18:44:35 +0100 A joint appeal signed today by the leaders of the World Council of Churches (WCC), the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) calls "upon Israel and Hezbullah to end the fighting in Lebanon" and "upon the United States, the European Union, and the Arab States to exercise their influence toward this end". It also calls "upon the Israeli government, the Palestinian Authority, and Hamas to end the conflict in Gaza". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-28.html Newsecumenism interreligious health northamerica Tue, 8 Aug 2006 10:37:32 +0100 Dr Peter Piot, Bishop Mark Hanson, Canon Gideon Byamugisha, Rev. Rick Warren and his wife Kay, and Erik Sawyer are among speakers at ecumenical and interfaith pre-conferences taking place on the eve of the world's largest HIV/AIDS conference. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-27.html Newsdov ia accompaniment interreligious europe middleeast northamerica Thu, 3 Aug 2006 15:54:22 +0100 An appeal to "do whatever is possible to stop the bombings, negotiate a cease-fire and a comprehensive peace settlement" has been addressed today by the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia to "the leaders of the international community, especially to those from the United States, Israel and the United Kingdom". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-26.html Newsafrica Fri, 28 Jul 2006 13:29:25 +0100 In a pastoral letter to member churches in the Democratic Republic of Congo on the eve of historic elections, World Council of Churches' (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia has offered words of compassion and an appeal to the nation's leaders - and to the wider world. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-25.html Newsecumenism perspectives relationswithnonmember asia Mon, 24 Jul 2006 10:33:32 +0100 Reconciliation is at the heart of the ecumenical vision, and can be a source of unity among churches and cultures, the WCC general secretary, Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, has affirmed at an international Methodist gathering in Korea. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-24.html Newsia accompaniment interreligious europe middleeast northamerica Fri, 21 Jul 2006 10:22:55 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia encouraged the Council's member churches to pray for all those suffering as a result of the Middle East crisis, to support the appeals for emergency aid and to speak out for justice among the states and peoples in the region. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-23.html Newsdov ia accompaniment jpc regions middleeast Thu, 13 Jul 2006 16:41:00 +0100 The new wave of violence in the Middle East is a cause for alarm around the world, and all sides should cease the violent confrontation and ensure the protection of civilians, the World Council of Churches (WCC) appealed today. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-06-05.html Featuredov Thu, 13 Jul 2006 03:33:00 +0100 The churches' understanding of, and response to, two critical contemporary issues - justice and violence, and to the complex relationship between them - is often limited. Justice can be narrowly understood in legal or traditional retributive terms; whereas violence can merely be seen as the outcome of personal sin. But as churches increasingly see their role as peacemakers in a conflict-torn world, where religion itself is misused and abused to foster violence, further theological and political discernment is needed to inspire and enlighten their peacemaking efforts. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-22.html Newsrelations ia humanrights jpc globalization women youth relief regions latinamerica northamerica Mon, 10 Jul 2006 14:57:08 +0100 New proposals to tighten US economic and humanitarian restrictions on Cuba will adversely effect vulnerable Cuban people, and a recommendation that would isolate the Cuban Council of Churches constitutes "a gross violation of religious freedom and a remarkably aggressive interference in religious matters," the WCC states in a letter addressed to President George W. Bush, issued on 10 July 2006. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-21.html Newsdov ia humanrights indigenous Mon, 3 Jul 2006 11:19:05 +0100 International church and ecumenical organizations have welcomed the adoption of a new International Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, and a Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, both of which were agreed at the inaugural session of the UN Human Rights Council which concluded in Geneva on 30 June 2006. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-20.html Newsdov ia humanrights accompaniment middleeast Fri, 30 Jun 2006 14:22:11 +0100 "Deeply distressed" by the current escalation of the Israel/Palestine conflict, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia called on the international community "to take bold and novel actions to uphold international law and break the vicious cycle of violence" in the region. Both parties should engage in "equitable negotiations," he said. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-19.html Newstheology Tue, 27 Jun 2006 11:50:40 +0100 At its first meeting, the WCC's newly-appointed Standing Commission on Faith and Order named six officers to oversee its work until the next WCC Assembly in 2013. Following an address by WCC general secretary Samuel Kobia, the Standing Commission also outlined major areas of study for the period. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-18.html Newsdov accompaniment interreligious middleeast Mon, 26 Jun 2006 11:22:35 +0100 A member of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) was attacked by a woman settler in the Tel Rumeida district of Hebron on Friday, 23 June. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-17.html Newsia humanrights Tue, 20 Jun 2006 10:47:00 +0100 Five international Christian bodies this week expressed expectation that the newly elected UN Human Rights Council will grant a "truly open space" for NGO participation on behalf of victims of human rights violations, as well as address the shortcomings of its predecessor and bring to completion pending issues, particularly in the field of standard-setting initiatives. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Info-06-03.html Infodov Mon, 12 Jun 2006 01:53:20 PM +0100 Recent years have seen a slowdown and stalemate in the fields of non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament of weapons of mass destruction and in 2003, former top United Nations weapons inspector Dr Hans Blix was invited to set up and chair The Weapons of Mass Destruction Commission (WMDC). http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-06-10.html Updateecumenism orthodoxparticipation Tue, 30 May 2006 12:00:11 +0100 New perspectives have been opened for renewal of the ecumenical movement as well as for Orthodox participation in the World Council of Churches (WCC) by the Council's 9th Assembly, Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and all Greece said yesterday in Geneva. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Info-06-02.html Info Mon, 29 May 2006 10:23:44 AM +0100 Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and all Greece, primate of the 10-million-strong (Orthodox) Church of Greece, will speak at a PRESS CONFERENCE on Wednesday 31 May 2006 at 12:00 at the Ecumenical Centre (150 route de Ferney, Geneva, Salle IV, 1st floor). http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-06-09.html Updateperspectives ia humanrights accompaniment africa latinamerica middleeast Wed, 24 May 2006 14:29:10 +0100 At its first meeting since its appointment in February 2006, the WCC's executive committee has approved new programmatic directions for the Council and has endorsed a framework for activities in the coming years. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-15.html Newsrelations orthodoxparticipation relationswithnonmember romancatholic europe Tue, 23 May 2006 12:18:53 +0100 Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and all Greece, primate of the 10-million-strong (Orthodox) Church of Greece, will visit the World Council of Churches (WCC) from 28 May - 1 June. During his stay, Christodoulos will also meet the UN high commissioner for refugees, members of the Swiss Federal Council and of the Geneva Council of State, and the mayor of Geneva. (A press conference is scheduled - see below.) http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-06-08.html Updatedov ia africa Mon, 22 May 2006 14:14:34 +0100 Leaders of the World Council of Churches (WCC) issued an appeal today for the churches and international community to urgently refocus efforts to safeguard the fragile peace process in Sudan, and warned of the risks of an "ominous humanitarian crisis of gigantic proportion" if those responsible for crimes against humanity in the Darfur province are not brought to justice. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-06-07.html Updateaccompaniment middleeast Mon, 22 May 2006 11:02:27 +0100 For peace to be achieved, both parties to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict should be held to identical standards on ending violence, respecting agreements, and recognizing the other says the World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-11.html Newsecumenism Fri, 19 May 2006 12:00:00 +0100 On the day of Pentecost described in the second chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, the Holy Spirit transformed a diverse gathering of people - many of them drawn from distant lands (Acts 2:5-11). In February of this year, thousands of Christians from every region of the world had a similar experience - a Pentecost experience - while participating in the Assembly of the World Council of Churches held in southern Brazil. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-06-06.html Updateia humanrights Fri, 19 May 2006 11:00:00 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee today said that the new UN Human Rights Council needs to avoid "policies and practices of double standards, en-bloc voting and politicization of the human rights agenda that were so prevalent at the UN Commission on Human Rights" that they "virtually paralyzed" it before its "ignominious end". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-06-05.html Updateia middleeast Thu, 18 May 2006 11:20:04 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee called today on the government of Iran for a moratorium on its uranium enrichment programme, and said resolving the controversy should include Iran's recognition of the state of Israel within its 1967 borders and support for international efforts to end terrorism. Other countries should also contribute to global security from nuclear threats, the committee said. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-06-04.html Updateromancatholic interreligious Wed, 17 May 2006 11:15:08 +0100 A study process jointly sponsored by the Vatican and the World Council of Churches (WCC) kicked off this week by affirming the freedom of religion as a "non-negotiable" human right valid for everyone everywhere while at the same time stressing that the "obsession of converting others" needs to be cured. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-14.html Newsperspectives middleeast Tue, 16 May 2006 10:35:28 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee meets at the Bossey Ecumenical Institute outside Geneva from 16-19 May 2006 at its first session since its election at the Council's 9th Assembly in Brazil earlier this year. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-13.html Newsglobalization environment Mon, 15 May 2006 11:11:16 +0100 The general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, called upon churches and ecumenical partners to take action to stop "terminator technology". "Applying technology to design sterile seeds turns life, which is a gift from God, into a commodity. Preventing farmers from re-planting saved seed will increase economic injustice all over the world and add to the burdens of those already living in hardship," stated Kobia. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-12.html Newsromancatholic interreligious Wed, 10 May 2006 09:30:56 +0100 The Vatican and the World Council of Churches (WCC) are launching a three-year joint study project aimed at developing a shared code of conduct on the controversial issue of religious conversion. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-10.html Newsdov accompaniment middleeast Wed, 26 Apr 2006 14:36:00 +0100 Expressing "alarm and concern" the World Council of Churches (WCC) has presented a formal protest to the Israeli ambassador in Switzerland over two recent incidents involving violence by Israeli settlers against Christian volunteers participating in the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI). http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Info-06-01.html Infoenvironment Fri, 21 Apr 2006 10:41:34 AM +0100 To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, the World Council of Churches (WCC) in cooperation with Green Cross International is organizing an interfaith ceremony and a panel discussion. Representatives of Geneva's Jewish, Islamic and Christian communities will participate in the ceremony. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-09.html Newsdov humanrights accompaniment europe middleeast Wed, 12 Apr 2006 17:17:20 +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) is urging the European Union to exercise "respect for the democratic mandate given by [the recent Palestinian] elections and time for the new government to find its feet and demonstrate its intentions," following the Council of the European Union's endorsement of a temporary halt to direct aid to the Palestinian government headed by Hamas. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-06-03.html Updatedov accompaniment Thu, 23 Mar 2006 17:04:16 +0100 While 50 people from eight countries were paying a solidarity visit to Jerusalem and the Occupied Palestinian Territories last week, related advocacy activities focusing on the situation in Israel and Palestine were taking place on five continents. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-08.html Newsecumenism perspectives theology relations orthodoxparticipation relationswithnonmember romancatholic pentecostal regions africa asia europe latinamerica middleeast northamerica pacific Wed, 22 Mar 2006 15:07:36 +0100 The vivid diversity of the ecumenical movement has been highlighted in new research, published by the World Council of Churches (WCC) this month, that confirms the continued growth of the fellowship of churches. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-07.html Newsaccompaniment Wed, 8 Mar 2006 12:12:00 +0100 On March 12-19, 2006, church groups in a dozen countries and members of the International Pax Christi and Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) networks will participate in a joint advocacy initiative for peace in Palestine and Israel convened by the World Council of Churches (WCC). http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-43.html Newswccassembly Sat, 25 Feb 2006 10:30:00 +0100 Approving a substantial change in priorities and culture, the World Council of Churches (WCC) 9th Assembly completed its meeting with prayer in Porto Alegre Thursday, and agreed to give priority to spirituality, ecumenical formation, global justice and prophetic witness. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-32.html Newswccassembly Sat, 25 Feb 2006 10:15:00 +0100 The "Message" of the 9th Assembly is an invitation to prayer. In proposing the document for adoption, message committee moderator Wendy Evans explained that the message is neither a report nor an exhaustive listing of concerns, but that "the message reflects the heart of the Assembly". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-42.html News Sat, 25 Feb 2006 10:00:00 +0100 Walter Altmann, Gennadios of Sassima and Margaretha Hendriks-Ririmasse are, respectively, the new moderator and vice moderators of the WCC central committee. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-41.html Newswccassembly ia africa Fri, 24 Feb 2006 10:35:27 AM +0100 The plight and misery of children caught up in a little-known but long-drawn-out war in northern Uganda was the object of a message sent 23 February by World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary, Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, to the Church of Uganda and the Uganda Joint Christian Council. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-40.html Newswccassembly Fri, 24 Feb 2006 03:33:49 PM +0100 The 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches today approved recommendations to "strengthen the WCC in the search for visible unity, enhance its ability to represent the member churches, and build new bridges for relationships and trust with other Christian churches not currently within its fellowship". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-39.html Newswccassembly youth Fri, 24 Feb 2006 01:13:42 PM +0100 The World Council of Churches 9th Assembly sent a strong message on Thursday 23 February that youth are an integral part of the WCC's work, and their voices need to be heard. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-37.html Newswccassembly ia Thu, 23 Feb 2006 12:46:35 AM +0100 In the wake of the controversy over cartoons of the prophet Mohammed, the World Council of Churches at its 9th Assembly in Porto Alegre has "deplored" both the publication and the violence which has ensued, and urged its member churches to strengthen dialogue and co-operation between Christians and Muslims. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-38.html Newsecumenism perspectives wccassembly Thu, 23 Feb 2006 12:52:27 AM +0100 The World Council of Churches Assembly programme guidelines committee has established four main areas of engagement for the life and work of the organization until the next Assembly: unity, spirituality and mission; ecumenical formation; global justice; and public voice and prophetic witness to the world. Delegates at the 9th Assembly in Porto Alegre, Brazil, affirmed these four areas on Thursday 23 Feb. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-36.html Newswccassembly ia africa Thu, 23 Feb 2006 12:52:00 AM +0100 The 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC), meeting in Porto Alegre, Brazil, 14-23 February, today said prevention must be the key tool and concern of the churches regarding the responsibility to protect endangered populations. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-35.html Newswccassembly ia Thu, 23 Feb 2006 12:51:40 AM +0100 The 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) meeting in Porto Alegre, Brazil, has adopted a statement on terrorism, counter-terrorism and human rights and affirmed the role of churches in pursuit of peace. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-34.html Newswccassembly ia Thu, 23 Feb 2006 12:48:50 AM +0100 The 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, meeting in Porto Alegre, Brazil, 14-23 February, has called on member churches "to renew and strengthen their active support for and engagement with" the United Nations while calling for "a serious process of reform" in that organization. The ultimate goal, according to the statement, is for "a more effective United Nations dedicated to the pursuit of global peace with justice". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-33.html Newswccassembly ia latinamerica Thu, 23 Feb 2006 12:41:48 AM +0100 Meeting in the first WCC Assembly ever held in Latin America, delegates at the 9th Assembly of the WCC on Thursday 23 February adopted a statement that "commends the Latin American churches in their work to overcome poverty and injustice, heal the wounds of violence, struggle for life and dignity, [and] grant equal treatment to all religions in national legislations". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-31.html Newswccassembly Thu, 23 Feb 2006 02:35:57 AM +0100 A new body to lead the World Council of Churches (WCC) into the next decade was elected in Porto Alegre on Wednesday. Delegates at the WCC’s 9th Assembly also endorsed measures designed to strengthen youth participation in the organization’s decision-making. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-30.html Newswccassembly Wed, 22 Feb 2006 09:41:39 PM +0100 With responsible and realistic budgets and a three-year action plan to be approved later this year, the WCC affirms its decision to focus on its unique role as a global fellowship of churches. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-9A-10.html Featurewccassembly interreligious Wed, 22 Feb 2006 07:58:16 PM +0100 It was the theme of an address by the most senior dignitary of the Anglican Communion to the most representative body of Christians in the world. It is the subject of conversations in the corridors of power around the globe, where politicians have learned to talk of a clash of civilizations. With the publication of a few cartoons in a Danish newspaper, it has provided the context for an anguished debate in Europe and violent demonstrations throughout the world. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-9A-09.html Featurewccassembly Wed, 22 Feb 2006 07:16:02 PM +0100 Philip Potter has a unique place in the modern ecumenical story. Not only was he general secretary of the WCC for 12 years (1972-84) but he also has the rare distinction of having attended all nine WCC Assemblies to date, beginning with the inaugural one in Amsterdam in 1948. Now in his 85th year, he can still recall vividly his early childhood on the Caribbean island of Dominica, his activity in the SCM in the West Indies – and that first WCC Assembly that he attended as a youth delegate. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-9A-08.html Featurewccassembly health Wed, 22 Feb 2006 06:39:06 PM +0100 According to participants at a press conference on HIV and AIDS at the World Council of Churches Assembly, meeting in Porto Alegre, Brazil, churches are best placed to tackle HIV and AIDS. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-29.html Newswccassembly dov Wed, 22 Feb 2006 04:06:31 PM +0100 A river of light flowed through downtown Porto Alegre last night as up to two thousand people - including two Nobel Prize-winners - took part in a candle-lit march for peace. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-28.html Newswccassembly youth Wed, 22 Feb 2006 02:40:57 PM +0100 Running concurrently with the World Council of Churches 9th Assembly in Porto Alegre, Brazil, is a camp for Latin American youth. About 180 are participating; the response was so strong that organizers had to open up a second facility to accommodate everyone. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-27.html Newswccassembly Wed, 22 Feb 2006 02:26:23 PM +0100 A panel "show" during the World Council of Churches 9th Assembly, meeting at Porto Alege, Brazil, today concluded that God's grace has transformative power, even in the midst of terrible things, but the transformation of the world required action from the churches for justice, compassion and inclusiveness. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-9A-07.html Featurewccassembly youth Tue, 21 Feb 2006 02:18:49 PM +0100 People come to ecumenism in different ways. Some grow up immersed in it. Some encounter it via a particular, momentous experience. Others come to an understanding of it gradually. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-26.html Newswccassembly ia Tue, 21 Feb 2006 04:07:50 PM +0100 The World Council of Churches at its 9th General Assembly in Porto Alegre, Brazil, 14-23 February 2006, has adopted a Minute on the elimination of nuclear arms calling on member churches to urge their governments to pursue the unequivocal elimination of nuclear weapons in line with the terms of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-25.html Newswccassembly environment Tue, 21 Feb 2006 04:08:17 PM +0100 The Ninth Assembly of the World Council of Churches, meeting in Porto Alegre, Brazil, 14-23 February, has called on churches and ecumenical partners to work together to preserve and protect water resources against over-consumption and pollution. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-24.html Newswccassembly Mon, 20 Feb 2006 12:02:58 AM +0100 "A united church is no optional extra," said Archbishop Desmond Tutu in an impassioned speech to the World Council of Churches 9th Assembly in Porto Alegre. Rather, he said, it is "indispensable for the salvation of God's world". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-23.html Newsecumenism wccassembly Mon, 20 Feb 2006 02:35:37 PM +0100 Leading theologians have addressed the World Council of Churches 9th Assembly on the theme of church unity. Scholars from the Protestant, Oriental Orthodox and Catholic traditions offered reflective comments on the document "Called To Be the One Church" in a session entitled "Church Unity – Claiming a Common Future". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-22.html Newswccassembly Mon, 20 Feb 2006 09:44:32 PM +0100 Evangelical and Pentecostal participants in the World Council of Churches 9th Assembly have welcomed better relationships with WCC churches and called for greater co-operation in the future. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-20.html Newswccassembly latinamerica Mon, 20 Feb 2006 04:52:11 PM +0100 The World Council of Churches Assembly, meeting in Porto Alegre, Brazil, today was told that "God is at work in Latin America, bringing joy, hope and vitality to the people, even in the midst of great adversity. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-9A-06.html Featurewccassembly Mon, 20 Feb 2006 03:47:21 PM +0100 A series of ecumenical conversations has been organized at the 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches at Porto Alegre, Brazil, to provide a space for delegates to share their experiences in addressing key concerns for the future of the churches and their common witness and action. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-21.html Newswccassembly latinamerica Sun, 19 Feb 2006 02:42:00 AM +0100 Latin American culture received the spotlight - literally and figuratively - at the 9th Assembly Sunday evening. Delegates and others attending the event enjoyed a sampling of the region's music, dance, and traditions in a "grand cultural event". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-9A-05.html Featurewccassembly dov Sun, 19 Feb 2006 09:07:47 PM +0100 Marilyn Stahl has noticed recently that people have a growing interest in her church. "People hear I'm Mennonite, and they say, 'I wish our church was a peace church'," said Stahl, who has come to the 9th Assembly of the WCC from the School of Theology and Ministry at Seattle University in the United States. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-19.html Newswccassembly dov Sat, 18 Feb 2006 12:15:03 AM +0100 It's been five years since the World Council of Churches launched its Decade to Overcome Violence. Participants at the 9th Assembly paused Saturday to mark that midpoint, reviewing what has occurred so far and looking to what can yet come. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-18.html Newswccassembly dov northamerica Sat, 18 Feb 2006 03:33:39 PM +0100 Representatives of the US Conference for the World Council of Churches (WCC) addressed a message to the WCC's 9th Assembly on 18 February saying that the US-led Iraq war was a "mistake", and apologized to the ecumenical community for failing to raise a prophetic voice to prevent it. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-9A-04.html Featurewccassembly health Sat, 18 Feb 2006 12:25:00 PM +0100 "It is now or never," remarked Dr Christoph Benn during an ecumenical conversation on the theme of HIV/AIDS at the 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches in Porto Alegre, Brazil. A resource person from Germany with broad international experience in public health, Benn was giving an overview of the crisis and its impact worldwide. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-17.html Newswccassembly Sat, 18 Feb 2006 11:23:17 AM +0100 Christians in a world of plural convictions are in a place which is "both promising and deeply risky", according to the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-16.html Newswccassembly Fri, 17 Feb 2006 02:32:31 PM +0100 Luiz Inácio "Lula" da Silva, president of Brazil, received an enthusiastic reception Friday as he addressed the delegate body of the World Council of Churches' 9th Assembly. The president thanked the WCC for its leadership in "the quest for a world at peace". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-15.html Newswccassembly globalization Thu, 16 Feb 2006 04:42:54 PM +0100 The World Council of Churches Assembly, meeting at Porto Alegre, Brazil, has called for churches "to act together for transformation of economic injustice". The call, in the form of a prayer, invited Assembly participants to recommit themselves to work for the eradication of poverty and inequality, for justice in international trade relations, for responsible lending and the control and regulation of global financial markets. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-14.html Newswccassembly Thu, 16 Feb 2006 10:03:06 PM +0100 The president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity has stressed the "irreversible" commitment of the Roman Catholic Church to ecumenism. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-13.html Newswccassembly environment Thu, 16 Feb 2006 07:14:44 PM +0100 Water may be the earth's most precious resource, and the supply of it is rapidly shrinking. The Ecumenical Water Network (EWN) is bringing this warning to the 9th Assembly in Porto Alegre in a host of different ways. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-9A-03.html Featurewccassembly Thu, 16 Feb 2006 06:54:48 PM +0100 The WCC Assembly's Mutirao Bate-papo on Wednesday was a lively discussion, with a young, lay Protestant woman telling a 70-year-old Catholic bishop that the future of Christianity lay in starting at the grassroots and addressing grassroots problems. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-12.html Newswccassembly Thu, 16 Feb 2006 01:49:08 PM +0100 Religious leaders from two hemispheres discussed the edges where cultures and civilizations clash during a 9th Assembly press conference Wednesday afternoon. Metropolitan Kyrill of Smolensk and Kaliningrad and Rev. Dr Mvume Dandala each noted challenges in an increasingly globalized world. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-11.html Newswccassembly Wed, 15 Feb 2006 09:39:18 PM +0100 A festa da vida - a Portuguese phrase meaning "the feast of life" - was the key-note on Wednesday in general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia's report to the 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches. "The festa da vida", Kobia told participants in an afternoon plenary session of the Assembly, is "an invitation to reach out to those we know and to those whom we don't yet know". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-10.html Newswccassembly Wed, 15 Feb 2006 07:52:38 PM +0100 A divided church voice cannot offer a credible witness in a broken and violent world, and cannot stand against the disintegrating forces of globalization, the 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) was warned today. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-09.html Newswccassembly Wed, 15 Feb 2006 11:40:49 PM +0100 Since the World Council of Churches' 9th Assembly is taking place in Latin America, the issue of poverty assumes absolute priority for all who worship and follow Jesus. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-08.html Newswccassembly Tue, 14 Feb 2006 12:29:38 PM +0100 Music, drums and drama marked the opening plenary session of the 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches. Declaring the Assembly open, WCC moderator Catholicos Aram I remarked that it was the first time an Assembly had been held in Latin America, and referred to the record number of young people attending. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-07.html Newswccassembly disabilities Tue, 14 Feb 2006 09:31:19 PM +0100 Up to 60 people gathered for the pre-Assembly meetings of the Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network (EDAN) in Porto Alegre. Held from February 11-13, the meetings drew together people with personal experience of disability for discussion and reflection. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-9A-02.html Featurewccassembly Tue, 14 Feb 2006 07:57:16 PM +0100 Assemblies of the World Council of Churches see Christians from all over the world come together, and many church-related groups take advantage of the display window this event provides. More than 100 groups are represented in dozens of booths in the assembly's exhibit hall adjacent to the main plenary space on the campus of the Pontifical Catholic University in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Colourful displays cover a variety of issues and topics representing all geographical areas of the world. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-06.html Newswccassembly interreligious Tue, 14 Feb 2006 07:19:53 PM +0100 Christians and Muslims should work together to "put out the fire" caused by the controversial publication of cartoons depicting the prophet Mohammed, according to Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, general secretary of the World Council of Churches. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-05.html Newswccassembly Tue, 14 Feb 2006 12:31:44 PM +0100 The first Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in the 21st century opens in Porto Alegre, Brazil, today, 14 February, under the theme "God, in your grace, transform the world". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-9A-01.html Featurewccassembly disabilities Tue, 14 Feb 2006 12:40:41 PM +0100 To a casual thinker, if someone is blind, or has lost a limb, or has cerebral palsy, it's only humane to want to fix it, and if it can't be fixed it is a matter for regret. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-06.html News Tue, 14 Feb 2006 03:51:50 AM +0100 The 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) starts today in Porto Alegre. News and features, live webcasting of sessions, photos and online videoclips, including TV-quality footage will be available. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-04.html Newswccassembly women Mon, 13 Feb 2006 08:50:20 PM +0100 Society, and particularly the roles of men, need to be re-organized as a pre-requisite for meaningful social transformation and so that women can be mainstreamed into church and society, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary, Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia has said. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-03.html Newswccassembly indigenous Mon, 13 Feb 2006 09:59:58 PM +0100 Indigenous people from around the globe have had a special place the church for much of its life but, all too often, place has been destructive of their physical, spiritual and cultural heritage as the first nations of the colonized world. Seen as objects of mission rather than people of the living God, these first nations are now represented in the 9th Assembly through the Indigenous Peoples Programme. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-02.html Newswccassembly disabilities Mon, 13 Feb 2006 08:56:11 PM +0100 Disabled people will try to affirm the church as an inclusive community, but the struggle for recognition at the decision-making levels of the World Council of Churches will be a long and difficult struggle since it was only at the 1998 Harare Assembly that the Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network was established as a full programme of the WCC. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-9A-01.html Newswccassembly youth Mon, 13 Feb 2006 08:00:16 PM +0100 In the months leading up to the World Council of Churches 9th Assembly, much was made of a desire to include large numbers of young people and to make their voices heard. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-05.html Newshumanrights racism northamerica Wed, 1 Feb 2006 04:40:25 PM +0100 "... an extraordinary woman who lived an extraordinary life during an extraordinary time" is how World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary, Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, describes Coretta Scott King in a tribute sent today to member churches in the USA. The widow of the US civil rights leader Martin Luther King, died yesterday, 31 January, at the age of 78. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-06-04.html Featurewccassembly Tue, 31 Jan 2006 07:00:47 PM +0100 The first Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in the 21st century "will mark the beginning of a new phase in the search for Christian unity," says WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-04.html Newswccassembly theology pentecostal interreligious mission education Mon, 30 Jan 2006 03:03:13 PM +0100 Over 100 theology students from Latin America and other regions of the world will participate in an international and ecumenical theological congress that will take place in parallel to the World Council of Churches' (WCC) 9th Assembly. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-03.html Newsecumenism relations europe Fri, 27 Jan 2006 05:44:10 PM +0100 It was with deep grief and distress that the World Council of Churches (WCC) received the news of the passing away of Dr Johannes Rau, the former president of Germany, "a friend of the ecumenical movement". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-06-03.html Featurewccassembly Thu, 26 Jan 2006 04:16:51 PM +0100 What steps must we take to achieve transformation? In this article on the Assembly theme "God, in your grace, transform the world", His All Holiness Bartholomew I addresses this question and reflects on self-discovery, the healing of the community and of the earth. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-02.html Newsrelations ia asia Mon, 23 Jan 2006 04:00:56 PM +0100 "Dismayed and concerned" about the "recent lethal escalation of armed violence" in the North and East of Sri Lanka, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia wrote on 20 January to the country's president, Mahinda Rajapaksa. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-06-02.html Updaterelations Thu, 19 Jan 2006 05:41:04 PM +0100 The marks of ecumenical spirituality are "readiness to rethink and to be converted" and willingness "to bear the otherness of the other, including refugees, people of another colour and other faiths, the old and the poor - all God's people," said Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia yesterday, the first day of the 2006 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-06-02.html Featurewccassembly Wed, 18 Jan 2006 09:42:00 AM +0100 The large worship tent at the World Council of Churches (WCC) 9th Assembly in Porto Alegre will be a unique space and one of the main features of the Assembly life. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-01.html Newsrelations Mon, 16 Jan 2006 04:05:14 PM +0100 On 18-19 January, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia will pay his first official visit to the churches of the country that is home to the headquarters of the WCC. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-06-01.html Updatewccassembly globalization Wed, 11 Jan 2006 03:55:31 PM +0100 "A world without poverty is not only possible but is in keeping with the grace of God for the world" affirms a call that will play a central role at the 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Porto Alegre, 14-23 February. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-06-01.html Featurewccassembly Tue, 10 Jan 2006 09:42:17 AM +0100 Transformation has become almost a cliché. Everything needs to be transformed: individual lives, cultures, economies, societies… all. But it is not often that God or grace are named in this context. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-05-49.html Featuredov ia accompaniment middleeast Sat, 24 Dec 2005 11:23:01 AM +0100 If Mary and Joseph had to get to Bethlehem this year, they would find themselves confronted with a 9-metre high concrete wall and a sophisticated, high-tech checkpoint. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/ev-05-12.html Upcoming eventsecumenism wccassembly theology relations orthodoxparticipation relationswithnonmember romancatholic pentecostal ia Thu, 22 Dec 2005 12:25:38 PM +0100 :: Seminar on UN reform in New York :: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity :: Kobia to meet churches and government officials in Bern http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-77.html Newsecumenism theology relations orthodoxparticipation relationswithnonmember romancatholic pentecostal Wed, 21 Dec 2005 03:05:25 PM +0100 "Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them" from Matt. 18:20 is the theme of the 2006 edition of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. It was chosen by an ecumenical group in Ireland. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-76.html Newsecumenism perspectives wccassembly theology dov relations orthodoxparticipation relationswithnonmember romancatholic pentecostal ia humanrights accompaniment interreligious mission health education jpc globalization environment women indigenous youth disabilities racism relief regions africa asia europe latinamerica middleeast northamerica pacific Fri, 16 Dec 2005 03:52:08 PM +0100 With two months remaining until the World Council of Churches' 9th Assembly in 2006, the organizers have launched an invitation to churches and Christians everywhere to accompany and support the event. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-05-48.html Feature Thu, 15 Dec 2005 06:56:56 PM +0100 The Internet is a revolutionary new communications space of fascinating diversity. It reflects the richness of real life, with some of its truths but many of its half-truths (and untruths!) too. As a virtual place, it poses a particular conundrum to churches and the extent to which "church" can happen within a virtual world. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-05-47.html Featurewccassembly Thu, 8 Dec 2005 04:15:56 PM +0100 The WCC 9th Assembly will offer a diverse and innovative programme for the expected 3000 participants from virtually all Christian traditions and regions. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-75.html Newsenvironment Thu, 8 Dec 2005 11:44:20 AM +0100 "We would like to light a candle" is how a World Council of Churches (WCC) statement to the UN climate change conference in Montreal, Canada, begins. The statement affirms that climate change is not only a technological, economic and ecological crisis but also a spiritual one. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-74.html Newsjpc relief Mon, 5 Dec 2005 03:51:12 PM +0100 Marking a new stage in ecumenical efforts to overcome poverty and injustice, churches and related organizations have agreed to move ahead with the establishment of a new global alliance for development. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-73.html Newsia middleeast Fri, 2 Dec 2005 02:22:48 PM +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) called today for the immediate release of four peace-workers kidnapped in Iraq. In a statement signed by Peter Weiderud, director of the WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs, the WCC asked the government of Iraq to undertake whatever steps are necessary to secure the safe release of the four members of the Christian Peacemaker Team. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-05-35.html Updatehealth africa Thu, 1 Dec 2005 12:28:36 PM +0100 "I have learned to see everyone infected as a brother, a sister, a niece, a nephew - a close relative," said Samuel Kobia this afternoon in Bern. The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary was speaking at an ecumenical event for World AIDS Day held outside the Swiss parliament. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-05-46.html Featurewccassembly Thu, 1 Dec 2005 02:18:08 PM +0100 The theme of the 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches - God, in your grace, transform the world - speaks to many people in different ways. What does it say to Christians living in a situation as difficult as that in Palestine? Naim Ateek, a leading Palestinian theologian, reflects on this question. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-72.html Newsecumenism perspectives wccassembly theology dov relations orthodoxparticipation relationswithnonmember romancatholic pentecostal ia humanrights accompaniment interreligious mission health education jpc globalization environment women indigenous youth disabilities racism relief regions africa asia europe latinamerica middleeast northamerica pacific Wed, 30 Nov 2005 10:06:29 AM +0100 When we pray in the words of the theme of the forthcoming WCC Assembly, "God, in your grace, transform the world", we confess our readiness to proclaim the good news that the Triune God has acted to dignify humanity through God's incarnation in Jesus Christ and to begin the transformation of a world that knows little of grace and mercy. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/ev-05-11.html Upcoming eventsdov romancatholic ia health jpc globalization women indigenous youth relief africa asia europe latinamerica Mon, 28 Nov 2005 03:18:24 PM +0100 :: World AIDS Day events in Geneva and Bern :: WCC to host Indigenous caucus to UN :: Latin America, small arms and violence :: Events around the WTO Conference in Hong Kong http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-05-34.html Updatejpc globalization environment relief europe Mon, 28 Nov 2005 12:27:40 PM +0100 The issue of food must be addressed "from a justice perspective". This will "not only ensure that people have food, but that their livelihoods and dignity are protected" while also protecting the environment, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Samuel Kobia affirmed at the opening worship of the 47th Bread for the World (Brot fuer die Welt) campaign. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-05-33.html Update Tue, 22 Nov 2005 12:26:45 PM +0100 Becoming a "trusted partner" for one another "has been perhaps the most enduring achievement of the past four decades" of collaboration between the Roman Catholic Church and the World Council of Churches (WCC), and this continued cooperation "must be considered one of the significant achievements of the modern ecumenical movement". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-05-32.html Updateecumenism perspectives theology relationswithnonmember romancatholic Fri, 18 Nov 2005 12:26:23 PM +0100 The Roman Catholic Church and the World Council of Churches (WCC) could address issues of common concern together with a united voice to meet the expectations of people in a world of uncertainties and tensions. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-05-45.html Featurewccassembly theology romancatholic Wed, 16 Nov 2005 05:28:35 PM +0100 Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, contributes in the following article a reflection from the perspective of the Roman Catholic Church on the theme of the upcoming World Council of Churches 9th Assembly: God, in your grace, transform the world. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-05-31.html Updateinterreligious Tue, 15 Nov 2005 12:23:33 PM +0100 Whether in European suburbs or Middle Eastern capitals, religious identity can often seem to be a source or fuel of conflict. And as many Western societies struggle to adapt to an emerging multicultural and multireligious reality, issues of tolerance and "living together" become ever more acute. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-71.html Newsperspectives wccassembly theology dov relations orthodoxparticipation relationswithnonmember romancatholic pentecostal ia humanrights accompaniment interreligious mission health education jpc globalization environment women indigenous youth disabilities racism relief regions africa asia europe latinamerica middleeast northamerica pacific Tue, 15 Nov 2005 02:14:26 PM +0100 By visiting http://www.wcc-assembly.info/, you can be part of the 14-23 February 2006 World Council of Churches' (WCC) 9th Assembly in Porto Alegre, Brazil - an event that will bring thousands of Christian women and men from around the world together for ecumenical encounter, prayer, celebration and deliberation. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Info-05-06.html Info Mon, 14 Nov 2005 03:29:04 PM +0100 Catholicos Aram I, World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee moderator, and Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (PCPCU) will participate in a PRESS CONFERENCE on Thursday 17 November at 15:00 http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-70.html Newswccassembly Thu, 10 Nov 2005 10:20:03 AM +0100 More and more, learning about, from and with peoples of other faiths is being recognized as a vital aspect of education in faith communities and in state education systems. A web-based survey on interfaith education has just gone online to discover examples of good practice across the world. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-69.html Newsecumenism romancatholic Wed, 9 Nov 2005 05:20:51 PM +0100 Forty years after they set out on an ecumenical journey together, the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (PCPCU) are celebrating their joint anniversary with a public event at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva on 17 November, and reflecting on the renewal of ecumenism in the 21st century. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Info-05-05.html Info Tue, 8 Nov 2005 05:27:22 PM +0100 Larbi Kechat, an Algerian sociologist who is the rector of the Adda'wa mosque in Paris, French rap singer Abd Al Malik, and former vice chair of the Federal Council, and former president of the Swiss Confederation, Ruth Dreifuss, are among well-known personalities expected at an inter-religious weekend in Geneva, 12-14 November. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-68.html Newsia humanrights africa Mon, 7 Nov 2005 11:16:27 AM +0100 World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Samuel Kobia has called on the Ethiopian government "to exercise utmost restraint and bring to an immediate halt the military action against the people and release the political prisoners as soon as possible". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-05-44.html Featurewccassembly Thu, 3 Nov 2005 02:24:14 PM +0100 "God, in your grace, transform the world" is a prayer that, in principle, could express the yearning of people from different religions. In the following article, Rabbi Naamah Kelman from Jerusalem reflects on the theme of the upcoming World Council of Churches 9th Assembly from the point of view of the Jewish tradition. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-05-43.html Featureecumenism perspectives wccassembly theology africa asia europe latinamerica middleeast northamerica pacific Wed, 2 Nov 2005 03:52:22 PM +0100 As alien as the word might seem at first sight for the average person, "ecclesiology" is actually at the heart of the life of every Christian community. The answers that "ecclesiological" questions obtain in the churches influence the daily life of the faithful and set the course of the search for Christian unity. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-05-30.html Updatetheology dov orthodoxparticipation romancatholic pentecostal interreligious jpc africa asia europe latinamerica middleeast northamerica pacific Tue, 1 Nov 2005 11:33:34 AM +0100 "Violence does not recognize differences between Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox or Pentecostal. Violence is our common plague, and non-violent love, peace, justice and reconciliation are our common calling," Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia told participants in a 27-29 October international conference in Boston, USA. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-67.html Newsinterreligious youth africa asia europe latinamerica middleeast northamerica pacific Thu, 27 Oct 2005 10:58:09 AM +0100 Does the quest for religious identity, evident in many places around the world today, lead inevitably to opposition to other religious traditions? And how, in contexts of religious and cultural plurality, can we move beyond tolerance to positive respect between religions? http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/ev-05-10.html Upcoming eventswccassembly dov relations orthodoxparticipation romancatholic ia humanrights accompaniment interreligious jpc women youth relief africa asia europe latinamerica middleeast northamerica pacific Tue, 25 Oct 2005 04:25:12 PM +0100 > African church leaders visit Israel and Palestine > Ecumenical Water Network consultation > Interreligious event on "My neighbour's faith and mine" > Women-to-women solidarity visit to Pakistan > The Roman Catholic Church and the WCC: 40 years of cooperation > Consultation on terrorism, human rights and counter-terrorism > Kobia supports Bread for the World campaign > European youth, Asian, German, Baltic and Nordic churches prepare for WCC Assembly http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-05-29.html Updateecumenism relations orthodoxparticipation relationswithnonmember middleeast northamerica Mon, 24 Oct 2005 03:14:04 PM +0100 "Today's constellation of ecumenical organizations is not immutable," according to the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary. Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia suggested that for this reason, those involved in the ecumenical movement have to seek new "ways of working together in more suitable patterns". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-66.html Newsecumenism perspectives wccassembly theology dov relations relationswithnonmember romancatholic pentecostal ia humanrights accompaniment interreligious mission health education jpc globalization environment women indigenous youth disabilities racism relief regions africa asia europe latinamerica middleeast northamerica pacific Thu, 20 Oct 2005 04:27:34 PM +0100 The ecumenical movement is a reality for people and congregations around the world who live their faith on a daily basis. An integrated communication project, "Keeping the faith" shows this reality, and conveys the vitality of the ecumenical movement today. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-05-28.html Updatelatinamerica Thu, 20 Oct 2005 01:48:22 PM +0100 With a call "to pray, support and participate" in the forthcoming World Council of Churches (WCC) 9th Assembly in Porto Alegre next February, representatives from churches and ecumenical bodies in the region concluded a preparatory event that took place in Mendes, Brazil from October 16-18. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-65.html Newstheology dov orthodoxparticipation humanrights interreligious jpc northamerica Wed, 19 Oct 2005 09:57:21 AM +0100 The root causes and complex nature of violence, and aspects of Christian spiritual life that can contribute towards the building of a culture of peace in today’s world, will be the focus of an international conference taking place in Boston, USA from 27-29 October 2005. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-64.html Newswccassembly northamerica Fri, 14 Oct 2005 05:35:06 PM +0100 Seminarians, students and youth delegates have expressed their determination to carry forward the ecumenical vision in the US, and have challenged church leaders to take their contribution seriously. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-05-42.html Featurewccassembly europe Fri, 14 Oct 2005 11:30:10 AM +0100 The rebuilding of a church destroyed by human hatred and ideology can be a sign of God's transformative grace, says bishop Margot Kaessmann in the following article, reflecting on the theme of the 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches: God, in your grace, transform the world. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-60.html Newsecumenism relations orthodoxparticipation relationswithnonmember middleeast northamerica Wed, 12 Oct 2005 09:32:20 AM +0100 "Challenges facing the ecumenical movement in the 21st Century" is the theme of a symposium to be held on 22 October at the Interchurch Center in New York. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-58.html Newsdov ia Fri, 7 Oct 2005 05:55:13 PM +0100 This year's Nobel Peace Prize affirms that "multilateral, legal and peaceable conduct of international affairs is not only possible but productive," said Peter Weiderud, director of the World Council of Churches Commission of the Churches on International Affairs (WCC/CCIA), commenting on the prize awarded to Mohamed El Baradei today. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-05-41.html Featureecumenism perspectives wccassembly relations orthodoxparticipation Thu, 6 Oct 2005 02:57:08 PM +0100 With blue and orange cards in their hands, delegates at the 9th World Council of Churches (WCC) Assembly gathered in Porto Alegre next February will wave goodbye to old-style parliamentary majority votes. Does the Council's future lie in consensus decision-making? http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-57.html Newshumanrights relief africa asia europe latinamerica middleeast northamerica pacific Wed, 5 Oct 2005 12:08:03 PM +0100 Deep concern about "the increasing use of detention to restrict and deter cross-border movement by asylum seekers and other migrants" prompted the World Council of Churches' (WCC) Global Ecumenical Network on Uprooted Peoples (GEN) to circulate a statement on this issue at a meeting in Geneva this week of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees' (UNHCR) Executive Committee. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-05-40.html Featurewccassembly theology latinamerica Tue, 4 Oct 2005 11:14:22 AM +0100 It was the Latin American Churches that first suggested divine grace as a theme for the 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches. In the following article, a Latin American theologian reflects on what it means to pray "God in your grace, transform the world" in Latin America today. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-05-27.html Updateecumenism relations orthodoxparticipation health africa Mon, 3 Oct 2005 04:13:09 PM +0100 "As custodians of an ancient spiritual heritage, Ethiopian Christianity has a unique contribution which is of central importance in Africa and to the ecumenical family world-wide," stated the general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, during his first official visit to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, 24-30 September 2005. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-05-39.html Featureecumenism wccassembly relations orthodoxparticipation romancatholic pentecostal indigenous europe latinamerica Thu, 29 Sep 2005 06:11:42 PM +0100 The excitement and brilliance of the carnival, the grace and skill of soccer, the exotic tropical beaches and the uproar of political scandals: these are some superficial snapshots of Brazil, a country rich in natural resources and creativity but battered by poverty. What is the country that will host the World Council of Churches' 9th Assembly next February really like? http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/ev-05-09.html Upcoming eventsecumenism perspectives theology dov relations orthodoxparticipation romancatholic ia accompaniment interreligious globalization women youth latinamerica middleeast northamerica Mon, 26 Sep 2005 05:30:23 PM +0100 > Middle East, US, Caribbean and Latin American churches prepare for WCC Assembly > Women's Voices and Visions on Being Church > Aram I and Kobia at US seminar on the future of ecumenism > Global Communicators' Network Meeting > Kobia at International Conference on Violence and Christian Spirituality http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-56.html Newsdov jpc environment women indigenous youth relief africa asia europe latinamerica middleeast northamerica pacific Thu, 22 Sep 2005 03:41:26 PM +0100 "Tourism, while being a potent force for good, has sadly turned into an activity that leaves in its trail massive numbers of victims", says World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Samuel Kobia in a message on World Tourism Day, 27 September. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-55.html Newsecumenism relations orthodoxparticipation africa Wed, 21 Sep 2005 02:51:24 PM +0100 The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, the largest and oldest church on the African continent, is hosting an international ecumenical delegation headed by World Council of Churches' (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, 24-30 September 2005. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-05-38.html Featurewccassembly dov jpc women indigenous africa Wed, 21 Sep 2005 11:15:07 AM +0100 A spear buried on the common border of two nomadic-pastoralist communities in the North Rift region of Kenya marked the end of bloody clashes a couple of decades ago. Today, the two rivals need the churches to help them arrest a fast-growing gun culture. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-54.html Newsdov ia jpc africa asia europe latinamerica middleeast northamerica pacific Tue, 20 Sep 2005 10:47:11 AM +0100 "The outcomes of the UN world summit, the largest gathering of heads of state in history, fall far short of the vision and the expectations of churches and people during this critical period in world history," said World Council of Churches' (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, speaking on the eve of the International Day of Prayer for Peace, 21 September. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-53.html Newswccassembly dov relations interreligious mission jpc globalization indigenous racism relief africa asia europe latinamerica middleeast northamerica pacific Fri, 16 Sep 2005 04:08:31 PM +0100 Churches must take responsibility to nurture healing in broken societies and to promote peace, urged leaders of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in public statements on Haiti and small arms released today. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-05-35.html Featurewccassembly Wed, 14 Sep 2005 04:40:05 PM +0100 ''The theme of the upcoming 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) is a prayer: God, in your grace, transform the world. But perhaps we ought to ask the question 'What would we do if God actually answered that prayer?' Or 'Dare we pray for transformation?' http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-52.html Newsecumenism wccassembly women youth africa asia europe latinamerica middleeast northamerica pacific Mon, 12 Sep 2005 05:11:48 PM +0100 Next February, twenty-six young leaders from the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) will come together in Porto Alegre, Brazil, to offer their experiences and challenges to the wider ecumenical movement. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-51.html Newsia humanrights jpc environment relief africa asia europe latinamerica middleeast northamerica pacific Wed, 7 Sep 2005 09:58:56 AM +0100 In the lead-up to the 14-16 September 2005 United Nations World Summit, the World Council of Churches (WCC) has shared its views on a planned reform of the international body with the governments of the UK and China - the two nations which currently preside, respectively, over the G8, and the G77. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-05-37.html Featurewccassembly youth latinamerica Tue, 6 Sep 2005 02:17:11 PM +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) wants to make its Ninth Assembly in Porto Alegre, Brazil, a space where young people are welcome and enabled to speak - and be heard. "We are doing our best for young people to have as much of an impact as possible," says Natalie Maxson, the person responsible for the WCC's youth programme. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-05-26.html Updatedov africa asia europe latinamerica middleeast northamerica pacific Mon, 5 Sep 2005 05:18:19 PM +0100 Calling on member churches and churches around the world to observe an International Day of Prayer for Peace on 21 September, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia observes that "Christian spirituality is not a call to retreat from social action and public life. As injustice and violence grow, […] we have all the more reason to pray with and for one another and for our world." http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-50.html Newsdov ia jpc middleeast Thu, 1 Sep 2005 04:12:49 PM +0100 Reacting to the tragic events at Baghdad's Kadhimiya mosque on 31 August, which Iraqi authorities fear have claimed the lives of up to a thousand Muslim pilgrims, the general secretary of the World Council of Churches Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia expressed the heartfelt condolences and deep sympathy felt by Christians worldwide at this loss of life. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-49.html Newsrelief northamerica Thu, 1 Sep 2005 06:16:52 PM +0100 WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia expressed today the compassion and solidarity of the member churches of the World Council of Churches with all the victims of Hurricane Katrina, which US officials fear has claimed thousands of lives in recent days. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-05-36.html Featurewccassembly jpc indigenous relief asia Tue, 30 Aug 2005 11:36:48 AM +0100 They had literally groped in the dark for ages. But for the past three years, more than a thousand upland folk in a remote village in northern Philippines have felt blessed because they are finally seeing the light of fluorescent bulbs. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-48.html Newswccassembly women Thu, 25 Aug 2005 12:06:46 PM +0100 No more violence! Portuguese-speaking women are hoping that this cry will be heard at the World Council of Churches' (WCC) next Assembly. "Violence is sin, and God calls us to salvation," they say. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/ev-05-08.html Upcoming eventsecumenism perspectives wccassembly theology dov relations orthodoxparticipation relationswithnonmember romancatholic pentecostal ia humanrights accompaniment interreligious mission cwme health education jpc globalization environment women indigenous youth disabilities racism relief regions africa asia europe latinamerica middleeast northamerica pacific Wed, 24 Aug 2005 02:27:26 PM +0100 > How do we share copyrighted worship resources? > Transformation journey - young adult outreach > International Day of Prayer for Peace > World-wide ecumenical leaders meet in the USA > Kobia visits churches in Ethiopia > Theological guidelines for accompaniment in Palestine and Israel http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-47.html Newsdov ia accompaniment middleeast Mon, 22 Aug 2005 12:15:27 PM +0100 To fully evaluate the Gaza pullout, it is necessary to watch for a number of "signs of peace" in the months ahead, according to the international affairs unit of the World Council of Churches (WCC). http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-46.html Newsecumenism youth europe Wed, 17 Aug 2005 03:53:44 PM +0100 "Brother Roger died as he lived, praying at the centre of his community," said the World Council of Churches acting general secretary Genevičve Jacques in a message of condolence sent to the Taizé community today. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-05-25.html Updatedov accompaniment interreligious middleeast Wed, 10 Aug 2005 11:01:35 AM +0100 Counting the 20 new volunteers who recently arrived in Jerusalem, the total number of people to have participated in the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) has now passed the 200-mark, as the programme completes its third year of existence. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-05-24.html Updatelatinamerica Mon, 8 Aug 2005 04:34:45 PM +0100 Haitians should work together to build a new and alternative nation, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia told church leaders and members during an ecumenical service at the Methodist Church of Port-au-Prince on Sunday 7 August. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-45.html Newsecumenism perspectives wccassembly theology relations orthodoxparticipation relationswithnonmember romancatholic pentecostal ia humanrights accompaniment interreligious mission cwme health education jpc globalization environment women indigenous youth disabilities racism relief regions africa europe latinamerica middleeast northamerica pacific Mon, 8 Aug 2005 03:52:53 PM +0100 In 2005, for the second year running, churches representing over 560 million Christians world-wide are being invited to mark the UN International Day of Peace, 21 September, as an International Day of Prayer for Peace. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-05-23.html Updatelatinamerica Fri, 5 Aug 2005 11:44:39 AM +0100 All Cuban churches should receive equal treatment on the part of the state in order to meet the challenges raised by their pastoral ministry, Samuel Kobia told Fidel Castro. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-44.html Newsia asia Thu, 4 Aug 2005 02:03:57 PM +0100 "The unfinished business of banning nuclear weapons has been derailed and urgently needs to be put back on track" is the central point of a message sent 4 August by the World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission of the Churches on International Affairs (CCIA) acting director Clement John to WCC member churches and the national council of churches in Japan. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-43.html Newsdov ia humanrights africa Wed, 3 Aug 2005 10:58:44 AM +0100 In a 1 August letter to Sudan's churches following the announcement of the death of the country's first vice-president, Dr John Garang, the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia has expressed his "deep sadness" and his "solidarity and support" for the churches and people of Sudan. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-42.html Newsrelations latinamerica Thu, 28 Jul 2005 11:08:09 AM +0100 The US presence and policies, human rights, democratization, international aid, as well as ecumenism in the region, and the forthcoming 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) will be the main topics on the agenda during the first official visit by WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia to churches in Cuba and Haiti from 31 July - 7 August 2005. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-41.html Newsecumenism northamerica Wed, 27 Jul 2005 04:00:38 PM +0100 "If it was the challenge to US churches in 1965 to reflect a global perspective rather than that of an ultra-patriotic 'culture club', this remains a principal challenge 40 years later," World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia told a gathering of US Christians today. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-40.html Newsaccompaniment interreligious middleeast Mon, 25 Jul 2005 11:43:42 AM +0100 While anti-semitism is a sin, not every critique of Israeli policies qualifies as anti-semitism, Samuel Kobia told a Jewish-Christian gathering on Sunday, 24 July. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-39.html Newsdov relations relationswithnonmember ia europe Thu, 7 Jul 2005 05:45:27 PM +0100 Expressing solidarity with the victims of today's bomb blasts in London, and total rejection of violent actions, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia sent the following message to the churches and the people of the United Kingdom: http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/ev-05-07.html Upcoming eventsrelations interreligious health indigenous europe latinamerica northamerica pacific Tue, 28 Jun 2005 06:10:50 PM +0100 > Indigenous peoples challenge UN draft declaration > Second World Assembly of the People's Health Movement > Kobia speaks at Jewish-Christian and church gatherings > Kobia meets Caribbean Conference of Churches > Kobia visits churches in Cuba and Haiti http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-38.html Newsinterreligious education Tue, 28 Jun 2005 06:09:51 PM +0100 Building understanding among people and religions of the world is one of the missions of the Council's new ecumenical research centre, said World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia at the official opening of the facility on Sunday 26 June. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-37.html Newsia africa Mon, 27 Jun 2005 12:27:59 PM +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) on 24 June condemned mass forced evictions in Zimbabwe and called on the country's government to immediately stop them. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-05-22.html Updaterelations orthodoxparticipation Fri, 24 Jun 2005 02:23:22 PM +0100 Meeting with a World Council of Churches (WCC) delegation in Moscow, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Alexis II, has expressed gratitude for actions of "authentic Christian solidarity" by ecumenical organizations during the Soviet period, and affirmed the commitment of his church to full participation in the WCC. However, the patriarch warned that new developments in some churches may undermine ecumenical relations. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-05-34.html Featureecumenism wccassembly dov latinamerica Thu, 23 Jun 2005 02:11:13 PM +0100 The theme for the World Council of Churches (WCC) 9th Assembly, to be held in Porto Alegre, Brazil 14-23 February 2006, invites us to return to, and re-appropriate, the resources of prayer. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-05-33.html Featuredov ia accompaniment interreligious Wed, 22 Jun 2005 04:45:03 PM +0100 Given the history of their relationships, interreligious dialogue between Christians and Jews may be seen as a "miracle", but it's also a complex and demanding endeavour. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-36.html Newsecumenism relations orthodoxparticipation europe Fri, 17 Jun 2005 03:06:32 PM +0100 The revival of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) and its relations with the World Council of Churches (WCC) will be the focus of an 18-24 June visit to Moscow by an ecumenical delegation led by Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia. It is the first official visit to the largest member church of the World Council of Churches by its current general secretary since he took up the position in January 2004. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-05-32.html Featureinterreligious education youth asia Thu, 16 Jun 2005 04:17:08 PM +0100 How to teach religion in multifaith contexts is a growing concern for churches and religious communities everywhere. This interview with a Christian educator from India presents a specific experience emerging from a multireligious context in Asia. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-05-20.html Updateecumenism orthodoxparticipation romancatholic Thu, 16 Jun 2005 05:06:39 PM +0100 A three-point agenda for further collaboration - understanding of the church, spirituality, and ecumenical formation - was proposed by World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia to Pope Benedict XVI during their meeting today at the Vatican. Kobia also invited the pope to visit the WCC headquarters "as yet one more concrete step in our long journey towards visible unity". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-05-31.html Featureinterreligious Mon, 13 Jun 2005 06:06:53 PM +0100 What does it mean to be a religious minority with a different faith to that of the majority of people around you? What is the importance of interreligious dialogue in situations of vulnerability? Is interreligious dialogue an adequate response to a critical moment in the world? http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-35.html Newsecumenism theology relationswithnonmember romancatholic interreligious health jpc europe Fri, 10 Jun 2005 09:39:38 AM +0100 The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia will meet Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday, 16 June. The encounter, which includes a private audience, is the first meeting between the two since they took up their current positions. A press conference is scheduled at 12:30 the same day, after the meeting. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-05-21.html Updateecumenism dov interreligious Fri, 10 Jun 2005 11:24:58 AM +0100 Representatives of the world's main faith communities have proposed reshaping the approach to global interreligious dialogue to face threats posed by the current world context more effectively. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-05-19.html Updateecumenism dov interreligious Fri, 10 Jun 2005 10:19:54 AM +0100 The future will see the World Council of Churches (WCC) more courageously challenging its members to take up interreligious tasks in their own contexts, and practitioners of interreligious dialogue committing themselves to enlarging their community. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-05-30.html Featureinterreligious Thu, 9 Jun 2005 09:07:38 AM +0100 From Baghdad to Bosnia, media images in recent years have reinforced prophecies of a conflict of civilizations emerging along religious faultlines. References to both jihad and crusade have reappeared in public discourse, and in some societies particular faith groups are regarded with suspicion. It can sometimes seem as though Christians and Muslims are condemned to collide. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-34.html Newsinterreligious Wed, 8 Jun 2005 04:21:02 PM +0100 Interreligious dialogue needs to move beyond academic exchange to engage with local communities, some of which are hostile to the notion of dialogue, according to senior faith leaders speaking in Geneva today. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-05-29.html Featureinterreligious Wed, 8 Jun 2005 04:22:03 PM +0100 The tranquillity of Lake Geneva belies the sense of growing urgency within the nearby Ecumenical Centre, headquarters of the World Council of Churches. This urgency is shared by a broad group of religious leaders, academic specialists and grassroots activists from virtually all the major world faith communities. They have come from around the world to reflect on a "critical moment" in interreligious dialogue. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-33.html Newsinterreligious women youth Wed, 8 Jun 2005 09:42:04 AM +0100 While interreligious dialogue has contributed to overcoming some human suffering and helped combat fundamentalisms, much more grass-roots participation is needed, especially of women and youth, and concrete cooperation should be its main goal. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-05-18.html Updateecumenism dov interreligious jpc globalization Tue, 7 Jun 2005 10:27:19 AM +0100 The need for religions to undertake a "critical and realistic self assessment" while making "overcoming violence in all its forms" an "urgent priority" was stressed by the World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee moderator, Catholicos Aram I, speaking in Geneva today. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Info-05-04.html Infointerreligious Mon, 6 Jun 2005 04:18:34 PM +0100 Addressing some of the critical issues facing interreligious dialogue today, the 7-9 June "Critical moment in interreligious dialogue" conference will attempt to make a critical assessment of dialogue, identifying what has been learned from past experience in interreligious dialogue "so that we might begin to imagine the future". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-32.html Newsindigenous latinamerica Fri, 3 Jun 2005 10:10:57 AM +0100 The inclusion of Bolivia's "indigenous peoples in social and political life" is one of the requisite steps "for the construction of meaningful and true democracy" in the country, the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia affirmed in a letter to the churches of Bolivia today, 3 June. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-05-17.html Updateinterreligious Thu, 2 Jun 2005 03:10:51 PM +0100 As representatives from the world's major faith communities prepare to meet in Geneva 7-9 June 2005, leaders of the World Council of Churches (WCC) have expressed hope that the event will provide a new impetus to interreligious dialogue. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-31.html Newsia globalization environment Fri, 27 May 2005 12:37:28 PM +0100 The G8 should rethink the logic of corporate globalization and economic models of excessive competition that have widened the gap between rich and poor and aggravated destruction of the environment says World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia in a letter to UK prime minister Tony Blair. The UK government is presiding the G8 in 2005. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-30.html Newsia humanrights health africa middleeast Tue, 24 May 2005 09:32:22 AM +0100 Reacting to the verdict of a Libyan court which has condemned to death six foreign health workers, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia has asked H.E. Mu'ammar al-Gaddafi, Leader of the Revolution, to spare their lives on humanitarian grounds. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-28.html Newsia africa Fri, 20 May 2005 12:20:09 PM +0100 Six ecumenical bodies, including the World Council of Churches (WCC), have appealed to the African Union and the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) to bring the government of Togo and opposition parties to the negotiating table so that they may together seek a solution to the current crisis. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/ev-05-06.html Upcoming eventsdov health jpc globalization youth europe Fri, 20 May 2005 04:26:59 PM +0100 > Critical moment interreligious conference > WCC general secretary meets Pope Benedict XVI > Samuel Kobia visits Russian Orthodox Church > Joint Consultative Group of the WCC and Pentecostal churches > Indigenous Peoples on interreligious dialogue and globalization http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-05-26.html Featuremission cwme Thu, 19 May 2005 02:59:37 PM +0100 "An ecumenical movement that doesn't involve conversations between people who disagree would not be an ecumenical movement," says Michael Kinnamon in the following interview given at the 9-16 May 2005 Conference on World Mission and Evangelism (CWME). http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-05-16.html Updatemission cwme Thu, 19 May 2005 12:07:17 PM +0100 The Conference on World Mission and Evangelism (CWME) has issued a letter to the Christian world in which it calls on churches everywhere to become healing and reconciling communities of hope, open to all. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-27.html Newsmission cwme Mon, 16 May 2005 07:54:05 AM +0100 Following in the footsteps of Saint Paul, WCC general secretary Samuel Kobia proclaimed Christian unity in "a fellowship that exceeds our capacity to define it". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-26.html Newsmission cwme Mon, 16 May 2005 12:45:42 PM +0100 On Sunday, Christians from more than 100 nations, representing churches in every geographic region and most of the historic traditions of Christianity, closed their conference on world mission and evangelism in a "sending service" in central Athens, on the site of Saint Paul's sermon to the Athenians. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-25.html Newsmission cwme Sun, 15 May 2005 02:08:31 PM +0100 The "language of reconciliation is often unclear" and it has sometimes been "manipulated and distorted to serve other ends". But reconciliation reveals "the heart of the gospel," and thus is a paradigm for church mission. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-05-25.html Featuremission cwme Sat, 14 May 2005 04:49:02 PM +0100 Dialogue between Pentecostals and others active in the ecumenical movement is still in an early stage of development as the constellation of participants expands. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-05-24.html Featuremission cwme Sat, 14 May 2005 11:56:32 AM +0100 Women in brightly coloured saris eat breakfast with bearded men in flowing black robes. Lutherans compare ideas with Catholics. Orthodox exchange greetings of peace with Evangelicals. Participants in the Athens World Mission Conference have experienced the formation of a peaceful and accepting community. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-24.html Newsmission cwme Fri, 13 May 2005 05:55:12 PM +0100 Gracia Violeta Ross only understood the meaning of her first name (grace) after discovering she was HIV-positive. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-05-21.html Featuremission cwme Fri, 13 May 2005 03:58:01 PM +0100 A leading Vatican official affirms that Catholics are "in the ecumenical movement" to find answers to questions of Christian unity, recognizing the World Council of Churches as "an essential partner". http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-05-19.html Featuremission cwme Fri, 13 May 2005 04:16:49 PM +0100 The mission of women is often very ordinary. It happens every day, sometimes in very quiet ways. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-05-17.html Featuredov mission cwme Thu, 12 May 2005 06:47:53 PM +0100 Moving away from 'cool' images of violence conveyed by culture, participants at the world mission conference in Athens took a hard look at the ambivalent relationship between mission and violence. No easy answers though. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-23.html Newsrelations orthodoxparticipation mission cwme europe Thu, 12 May 2005 06:50:49 PM +0100 Greek church leaders have called for "coordinated efforts and a united Christian witness" to tackle global problems more effectively. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-22.html Newsmission cwme Wed, 11 May 2005 02:58:31 PM +0100 "Avoiding the simplistic interpretations which see globalization and post-modernity only as a melting-pot or, on the contrary, only as an inevitable clash of civilizations, we are called to see the present state of affairs as an occasion for critical creativity." http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-21.html Newsmission Wed, 11 May 2005 05:21:08 PM +0100 For disabled persons, healing does not first and foremost mean being cured. Rather, it has to do with restoration to and inclusion in the community. Churches willing to heal disabled people must fully assume their mission to include them. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-05-15.html Featuremission cwme Tue, 10 May 2005 07:34:24 PM +0100 The wood of olive trees uprooted near Bethlehem during the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian crisis is transformed into an emblem of hope and reconciliation. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-05-14.html Featuremission cwme Tue, 10 May 2005 02:29:36 PM +0100 Understanding is the first step on the road to reconciliation. This is one of the convictions that Christian youth from diverse regions will carry home with them following a week of conversations and reflections on the themes of mission, reconciliation and healing. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-19.html Newsmission cwme Tue, 10 May 2005 02:32:03 PM +0100 It is time for confession, repentance and a deep conversion in thinking and attitudes, the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia told participants at the Conference on World Mission and Evangelism. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-18.html Newsmission cwme Tue, 10 May 2005 02:31:56 PM +0100 The archbishop of Athens and all of Greece, His Beatitude Christodoulos, affirmed the need for ecumenical encounter and dialogue, as well as for a new articulation of Christian identity and mission in order to face contemporary challenges. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-20.html Newsmission cwme Tue, 10 May 2005 02:57:38 PM +0100 About 700 representatives from churches and mission bodies from all over the world were advised to recognize that the presence of the Holy Spirit is not to be claimed by themselves, but acknowledged by their neighbours. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-17.html Newsdov ia humanrights interreligious Fri, 6 May 2005 10:15:22 AM +0100 More than a hundred people from diverse faiths and traditions will participate at the "Critical moment in interreligious dialogue" conference scheduled for 7-9 June 2005 to analyse, assess and review the experience of interreligious collaboration and dialogue as it has been practised over recent decades and might be practised in future. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-05-15.html Updateaccompaniment middleeast Thu, 5 May 2005 09:10:27 AM +0100 A new group of 18 ecumenical accompaniers last week joined four others staying on in Israel and Palestine from the previous group within the framework of the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI). The new arrivals bring the total number of ecumenical accompaniers now on the ground to 22. http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-16.html Newsecumenism perspectives wccassembly theology dov relations orthodoxparticipation relationswithnonmember romancatholic pentecostal ia humanrights accompaniment interreligious mission cwme health education jpc globalization environment women indigenous youth disabilities racism relief regions africa asia europe latinamerica middleeast northamerica pacific Wed, 4 May 2005 04:29:34 PM +0100 Grace and peace to you on this Feast of Pentecost 2005, in which we celebrate the many gifts of God’s Spirit! http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/Feat-05-13.html Featureecumenism wccassembl