26. March 08
Christians and Muslims must enhance common ground and acknowledge differences, says WCC
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...
20. March 08
International ecumenical team to pay solidarity visit to Sudan
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.
20. March 08
Young theologians of all stripes submit ideas for the future of ecumenism
More than 50 young theologians from 36 churches in 24 countries have answered the WCC's invitation to submit essays addressing the theme: "Making a Difference Together - Prospects for Ecumenism in the 21st Century". The essay contest is part of the programme to commemorate the Council's 60th anniversary in 2008.
17. March 08
World Water Day in Holy Week: pray and act for water for all
This year the World Water Day (22 March) falls on the Saturday before Easter (according to the calendar followed by Western churches). It also culminates the "Seven Weeks for Water" campaign by the Ecumenical Water Network.
17. March 08
WCC calls for UN fact finding mission to Papua
"Papuans still are subject to torture, ill-treatment, arbitrary arrests and unfair trials by the Indonesian authorities," said the World Council of Churches (WCC) programme executive for human rights, Christina Papazoglou in a 14 March oral intervention before the United Nations Human Rights Council, which is currently holding its seventh session in Geneva. On behalf of the WCC, Papazoglou asked for a fact-finding mission to be sent to the...
14. March 08
Tribute to Chiara Lubich
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...
Death of Chaldean archbishop in Iraq "distressful for all who believe in peace"
The World Council of Churches is deeply saddened by the news of the death of Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho of Mosul. The Council joins with all Christians in Iraq and around the world in grief. The death of Archbishop Paulos under the current circumstances of war and violence in Iraq is distressful for all who believe in peace and reconciliation. While the cause of his death remains unknown, his recent kidnapping reflects the continuing...
12. March 08
Tribute to Lukas Vischer
"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.
10. March 08
WCC expresses sorrow to victims' families, condemns attack on Jewish seminary
"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...
3. March 08
UN and WCC general secretaries forge closer partnership on climate change and democracy issues
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.