You are here:  WCC > Programmes > Public witness: addressing power, affirming peace > Overcoming violence

Decade to Overcome Violence

Christians and churches are entrusted with the ministry of peace and reconciliation. This ministry calls for ecumenical engagement by the churches in light of inter-personal, economic, environmental,  military and other forms of violence in society, in families and even in the church. During the first half of the 2001-2010 Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV), churches got involved, resources were shared, awareness grew and creative actions were taken.

Following the Decade into its second half, this project works to inform and inspire churches' action and cooperation in overcoming violence and pursuing just peace and reconciliation in their own lives, in the lives of their communities and in the world.  

Between now and 2010, the aim is for the concern for just peace to move "from the periphery to the centre of the life and witness of the church". Inter-religious cooperation, involvement of children and youth, and collaboration with civil society actors are part of the DOV strategy to build ecumenical momentum. An annual regional focus raises the visibility of key activities such as an International Day of Prayer for Peace (IDPP), networking and awareness-building in the specific region, Internet and multimedia events. 

"Living Letters" (Ecumenical team visits) to member churches express solidarity, encourage churches to share their experiences, address their differences, and get involved in the public arena to promote non-violent resolution of conflicts, reconciliation and forgiveness.

Communication tools include a DOV website, e-news and internet forum as well as regular WCC news releases.

The Decade will culminate in an International Ecumenical Peace Convocation. The consultative process towards an ecumenical declaration on just peace will help the churches to prepare for this event by reflecting on their ecumenical commitments to overcome violence and working for peace and reconciliation in their own contexts. Churches, educational institutions, networks and individuals are invited to contribute to this process in their own ways.

Related news

10.06.09 16:58

Peru: WCC laments loss of life, condemns attempts to abrogate indigenous peoples' rights

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...

[more]
08.06.09 15:26

Change is in the air, as churches do week for Middle East peace

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...

[more]
28.05.09 10:52

Message of the presidents of the WCC at Pentecost 2009

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,...

[more]

All news on this topic


Related events

17.08.09 - 23.08.09
Healing of Memories - Reconciling Communities

Bossey, Switzerland

This seminar will look at the relations between bad memories, kept in a retributive way, and hatred, conflict and tensions within communities.

21.09.09 - 21.09.09
International Day of Prayer for Peace

Worldwide

On 21 September, churches and communities throughout the world are committing to the International Day of Peace through prayer, meditation and other forms of spiritual observance. For 2009, the WCC...

All events on this topic


This background document raises questions that may allow an interim assessment and points to the course that might be followed during the remaining five-year period, so as to carry the effort of overcoming violence beyond the Decade.
Five years have passed since the WCC launched the Decade to Overcome Violence. The 9th Assembly marks the midterm and offers an opportunity to celebrate what has been achieved, share experiences, make an interim assessment and refocus the course to be followed during the second five-year period.
An invitation to a process of theological study and reflection on Peace, Justice and Reconciliation during the Decade to Overcome Violence: Churches Seeking Peace and Reconciliation 2001-2010

 

Related publications
Diana Mavunduse and Simon Oxley - This is a study guide to help individuals and groups in the churches to reflect and act in the Decade to Overcome Violence.

 

Related activities
Witnessing to the peace of God as a gift and responsibility of the oikumene