World Council of Churches

A worldwide fellowship of churches seeking unity, a common witness and Christian service

You are here: Home / What we do / Accompanying churches in situations of conflict

Accompanying churches in situations of conflict

This project accompanies and equips churches for advocacy in countries where religion is being used to fuel conflict.
Accompanying churches in situations of conflict

Religious symbols and idioms are sometimes used to promote political interests, causing tensions and conflicts within communities where people of different religions have to live together. Christian communities are sometimes caught in the middle of such conflicts. Religious intolerance has a negative effect on today's increasingly pluralistic and interdependent societies.

This project accompanies churches faced with religious intolerance, discrimination and conflict, and advocates for inter-religious cooperation, human dignity, sustainable values and just relationships. It emphasizes those aspects in all religions that promote harmony among communities, that help people to live their individual faith with integrity while living together in mutual respect and mutual acceptance of each other's faiths.

In response to requests from member churches and national councils of churches, the project helps prepare communities in two countries where religions have been used to fuel conflict to prevent and deal with such conflicts.

It will research and evaluate situations of religious intolerance, discrimination and conflict, organize visits, training, consultations, capacity-building and engagement with those of different faiths involved in such situations, and engage in advocacy work on behalf of those affected. A fund will be made available in concrete situations to assist individuals and groups at risk (i.e., legal assistance).

Related News

Conference issues statement on Christian presence in the Middle East

A WCC conference has issued a joint statement calling the churches and ecumenical actors to commit themselves to support one another in prayers and actions to support Christian presence and witness in the Middle East.

Concern and solidarity for Bangladesh

The WCC general secretary has expressed solidarity with Bangladesh, and concern over recent tragedies in the country, including the loss of over a thousand lives in a garment factory accident near Dhaka, as well as increasing attacks against religious minorities.

Conference to explore situation of Christians living in the Middle East

Power, social injustice, the threat of extremism and Christian-Muslim relations will be among the main themes of a conference on the situation of Christians in the Middle East. The conference is set to take place next week in Lebanon.

Related Documents

Letter of solidarity and concern to Bangladesh

WCC general secretary's letter to the member churches and the National Council of Churches in Bangladesh to express concern and sympathies because of recent tragedies in Bangladesh. Since late February and onwards Bangladesh has faced political and religious violence and atrocities as well as major disasters, such as the collapse of a garment factory building in Savar, Dhaka, which has taken the lives of more than 1000 people.