The World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee reminded the Council's member churches that "with investment funds, they have an opportunity to use those funds responsibly in support of peaceful solutions" to the Israel/Palestine conflict.

As the central committee approved a list of statements, minutes, and recommendations on public issues Monday the committee that introduced those measures said the real key is for local action to take place.

There is a new call echoing through plenary hall. Any time the moderator wants to see how members of the central committee feel about the ongoing discussion, they are asked to "show their cards".

"Keeping the Faith" is a mission for all church communities. It is also the name of a new exhibition and project organized by the WCC and previewed during the central committee meeting this week.

"We American Christians are all supportive of our troops in Iraq - our churches are concerned and every congregation is praying for them. What many of us do not support is the use of war, except as a very last resort, to solve conflicts, or the decision to go to war on Iraq on the grounds of false and misleading justifications."

People from around the world, participating at the WCC's central committee meeting in Geneva are speaking Portuguese!

Local ownership by churches has helped the Decade to Overcome Violence become one of the WCC's most visible and popular programmes.

"Mapping the Oikoumene" is the name of a new study commissioned by the WCC to examine the complex range of ecumenical structures and initiatives around the world.

"Lord God of the Oceans, grant us the courage to face the tidal waves of our time with faith that endures," WCC central committee members prayed on the morning of a day dedicated to the Pacific region.

A group of 27 young adult stewards representing 20 countries in seven regions is assisting the work of the WCC central committee this week.