News

WCC event to highlight Ecumenical Campaign and Accompaniment Programme

In conjunction with the meeting of the World Council of Churches' Executive Committee, the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs (CCIA) of the World Council of Churches will organise

placeholder image
18 February 2003

In conjunction with the meeting of the World Council of Churches' Executive Committee, the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs (CCIA) of the World Council of Churches will organise

an evening to commemorate the 2002 focus of the Decade to Overcome Violence:

'End the Illegal Occupation of Palestine: Support a Just Peace in the Middle East'

on Thursday 20 February at 18:00, at the Bossey Ecumenical Institute,

Château de Bossey, 2 Ch. Chenevière, Bogis-Bossey.

While 2002 brought further escalation of the violence, and heralded more pain and suffering for both the Israeli and Palestinian people, it was also the launch year for the Ecumenical Campaign to End the Illegal Occupation of Palestine, mobilising Christians around the world towards a just peace in the Middle East.

The year also saw the realisation of the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI). Twenty accompaniers from churches and ecumenical organisations in five countries were part of the first EAPPI team which ensured an ecumenical presence in Israel, the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem.

The following activities (starting at 18:00) will be open to the press (registration is required):

  • Video showing of the WCC production 'Ending Occupation: Voices for a Just Peace'

- Mr. Bernt Jonsson, from Sweden (based in Hebron)

- Ms. Sarah Gjerding, from Denmark (based in Gaza)

  • Speakers:

- H. H. Aram I, Moderator of the WCC Central and Executive committees

- Rev. Dr Konrad Raiser, WCC General Secretary