3. March 08
WCC "absolutely condemns" attacks on civilians in Gaza and Israel
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...
22. February 08
WCC says a proposed new treaty to ban cluster munitions must be strong
The WCC Central Committee this week condemned a whole category of peculiarly indiscriminate weapons known as cluster munitions. A cluster munition scatters many small bombs in order to kill and injure people over a wide area. The church debate in Geneva coincided with a world conference on banning the weapons that stirred deep debate between governments and NGOs meeting in New Zealand.
21. February 08
WCC central committee: Making a difference together
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...
20. February 08
Search committee for a new WCC general secretary begins its work
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.
20. February 08
WCC statements address climate change, other topics
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".
20. February 08
"We hope to contribute to the progress of the ecumenical movement"
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.
20. February 08
"Like being in the center of the globe"
Nazeli Kandakarjian, a member of the Armenian Apostolic Church (Holy See of Cilicia) in Lebanon, is serving as a young adult steward at these central committee meetings. She says it is a "once-in-a-lifetime experience".
20. February 08
Three statements pay attention to elections
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.
19. February 08
A presentation from the Pacific
To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the WCC, the member churches of the Pacific presented a wood and shell plaque to the organisation and shell medallions to the moderator and other officers.
19. February 08
A Dame of ecumenism
Dr Mary Tanner, WCC president from Europe, was late for these central committee meetings. She had a good reason, though: an audience with Britain's Queen Elizabeth II.