http://www.oikoumene.org/ en http://www.oikoumene.org/fileadmin/templates/general/images/wcc_tiny.gif http://www.oikoumene.org/ 16 16 TYPO3 - get.content.right http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Wed, 16 May 2012 10:07:00 +0200 Wed, 16 May 2012 10:07:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=8741 "The days following the resurrection must have been mystifying and frightening to the followers of Jesus", the eight presidents of the World Council of Churches write in their annual Pentecost message. "Some of them had actually seen the risen Christ – in the upper room, on the road to Emmaus, even touched his wounds and shared a piece of fish. Now they found themselves all together in a room, waiting. It can’t have been easy for them, crowded into a small space, wondering what it was that they were waiting for and what was going to be expected of them now. Then came the wind, the tongues of fire and the speaking of many languages." Weekly English Weekly French Weekly German Weekly Spanish Press room Tue, 15 May 2012 13:51:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16164&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=275f954713c662e4984947030231c5f8 The WCC is urging the NATO summit in Chicago 20-21 May to “lead by example” and withdraw NATO nuclear weapons still deployed in Europe more than two decades after the close of the Cold War. Latest News Weekly English P301 - Decade to Overcome Violence P104 - Partnership with ecumenical organizations Wed, 09 May 2012 12:21:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16157&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=e19ebd044edc7e2cc9f4fabf7b641f7f The WCC congratulates the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople for receiving the Freedom of Worship Award of the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute which acknowledges his efforts in promoting religious freedom, dialogue and environmental concerns. P103 - Nurturing relationships with member churches P602 - Christian self-understanding amid many religions Tue, 08 May 2012 15:43:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16156&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=27fa6fe4d4a3f872afd23715c49c19b5 The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit was honoured with the “Friend of the Armenians” award by the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) in the United States, as an acknowledgement of his efforts to support Armenian churches throughout the world. P103 - Nurturing relationships with member churches Visits to member churches and partners Tue, 08 May 2012 11:25:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16155&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=36e071b9951194b0abab9307549986da A Global Theological Education Survey started by the Ecumenical Theological Education programme of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in partnership with other organizations is under way, and will result in the launch of a web based global directory of theological institutions. Latest News Weekly English Weekly French Weekly German Weekly Spanish P503 - Ecumenical theological education P104 - Partnership with ecumenical organizations Mon, 07 May 2012 16:35:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16154&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=aab81e161d0465c4a2dc511bcee19ffd To support the Colombian communities in Montes de María and San Onofre, faced with armed conflict and displacements, the national reference group of the Programme of Ecumenical Accompaniment in Colombia (PEAC) is planning the next steps in implementing the programme. Latest News Weekly English Weekly French Weekly German Weekly Spanish P301 - Decade to Overcome Violence P303 - Human rights to enhance human dignity P603 - Accompanying churches in situations of conflict Feature Thu, 03 May 2012 16:25:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16149&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=a64b7d4d25c783cd55a92570385e7bdf The human rights of migrant workers in the Arabian Gulf region was the subject of a consultation convened at Santhigiri Ashram in Alwaye, India by the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Christian Conference of Asia. Latest News P301 - Decade to Overcome Violence P204 - Towards just and inclusive communities P403 - Migration and social justice P401 - Ecumenical solidarity Thu, 03 May 2012 14:58:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16130&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=dbc7102ba0eb97c24a1a223b3d9b5471 The concept of accompaniment, including spiritual and pastoral accompaniment, is the main inspiration of the churches involved in the Programme of Ecumenical Accompaniment in Colombia (PEAC), an initiative of the Latin American Council of Churches (CLAI) carried out with support from the World Council of Churches (WCC) and other Christian organizations. Latest News P301 - Decade to Overcome Violence P303 - Human rights to enhance human dignity P603 - Accompanying churches in situations of conflict Wed, 02 May 2012 14:19:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16145&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=f69dd9b2c1d9f728cdf6700e035f5ffe “Together with other Christians whose theology, worship traditions and local contexts may be quite different from our own, we are called to discipleship that has transformative potential,” said the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit on Tuesday 1 May at the General Conference 2012 of the United Methodist Church in the United States. Latest News P202 - Spirituality and worship in ecumenical context P201 - Called to be the one church Wed, 02 May 2012 11:11:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16144&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=fa0578181326c4b679ba224a7667f7e8 To stress the relevance of theological scholarship programmes for the future of world Christianity, a conference was organized by the Ecumenical Theological Education programme of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in partnership with the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) and the Academy of Mission, University of Hamburg. Latest News P503 - Ecumenical theological education P103 - Nurturing relationships with member churches Tue, 01 May 2012 14:41:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16139&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=aabff37acad680b2b762bdc07c49fee3 Inspired by participating in the Youth for Eco-Justice training, a joint project of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in Durban, South Africa last year, Kristi Holmberg started a “Climate Justice Campaign” which concluded successfully on 22 April, Earth Day. Latest News P405-1 Public campaign on climate change P405-3 Ecumenical Water Network (EWN) Feature P105 - Youth in the ecumenical movement: challenges and hopes Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:48:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16134&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=64825b8c772e526cf9f627c1390d2829 An international consultation on “Ecumenical Advocacy for the Protection of the Human Rights of Migrant Workers in the Arabian Gulf Region” is currently taking place from 29 April to 2 May at the Santhigiri Ashram in Kerala, India. The consultation was organized by the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs (CCIA) of the World Council of Churches (WCC). Latest News P301 - Decade to Overcome Violence P303 - Human rights to enhance human dignity P304 - Churches in the Middle East: solidarity and witness for peace P403 - Migration and social justice Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:35:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16129&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=44663aaab3608cf13201bcffd2bb891f While drug production and trafficking are the main problems in Colombia, it would be misleading to think these are the only ones. Land grabs in the country serve as the pivotal reason behind armed conflicts and human rights violations. In this situation, churches in Colombia are struggling to support victims of land disputes, as well as raising awareness about the issue on local and international level. Latest News P301 - Decade to Overcome Violence P303 - Human rights to enhance human dignity P603 - Accompanying churches in situations of conflict Feature Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:53:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16133&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=a114b199c9b9857939589d81c522f417 Following armed attacks Sunday on Christian churches in Kano and Maiduguri, Nigeria, and in Nairobi, Kenya, leaders of the World Council of Churches (WCC) have called for people of faith to support afflicted believers through prayer and solidarity. Latest News P301 - Decade to Overcome Violence P303 - Human rights to enhance human dignity P603 - Accompanying churches in situations of conflict P602 - Christian self-understanding amid many religions Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:46:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16132&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=a155f9225f6abcc1a78ceb89a5c2f317 Climate justice and the integrity of creation have been of concern to churches around the world. While stakeholders in the debate on climate change will gather at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development Rio+20 this year in June, the World Council of Churches (WCC) hopes for discussions to go beyond the narrow understandings of a green economy and the international framework for sustainable development. Latest News P405 - Climate change and water: caring for creation P405-1 Public campaign on climate change P405-3 Ecumenical Water Network (EWN) P306 - Poverty wealth and ecology: impact of economic globalization P401 - Ecumenical solidarity Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:15:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=3576 In 2011, the need to discern the things that make for peace was felt very acutely in the World Council of Churches and throughout the world, with one of the year's brightest moments being the gathering in May of more than 1,000 church leaders and peace activists for the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC). P103 - Nurturing relationships with member churches P301 - Decade to Overcome Violence C1 - Communication Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:26:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16124&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=5e7c169159fe161718702549e1de797e “The fellowship in the church should always be a sign of the empathy of God, with everyone who is suffering, groaning, longing for relief,” said the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary, Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit in his keynote presentation at the 27th Quadrennial Assembly of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI). P301 - Decade to Overcome Violence P204 - Towards just and inclusive communities P503 - Ecumenical theological education P204-3 Solidarity with Dalits for justice and dignity Visits to member churches and partners P406-2 HIV-competent church Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:15:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16122&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=e5e4762514084a79a5d2e3d1c3179d19 The pension fund of the World Council of Churches (WCC) has been brought out of a deficit position and is being transferred to Profond, a collective pension fund institution that manages more than 3 billion Swiss francs in assets under its contracts with nearly 1,700 Swiss employers. Latest News Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:37:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16121&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=61cdba17bceb31f0b2c2d62244e4d179 To mark the World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel (WWPPI), Palestinian Christians will celebrate holy communion on Friday, 1 June in the orchard of the historic Cremisan monastery near Bethlehem. It is an area where Israel plans to confiscate land in order to extend its illegal separation barrier outside Jerusalem. Latest News P302 - Global advocacy for justice and accountability P301 - Decade to Overcome Violence P304 - Churches in the Middle East: solidarity and witness for peace P305 - Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) P104 - Partnership with ecumenical organizations Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:47:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16120&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=4bd96374de24ee012b3b0362fb44a527 In a joint statement, the World Council of Churches and the All Africa Conference of Churches have expressed "grave concern over the increasing incidents of attacks on Christians and destruction of church property in Sudan". The councils report the public burning of Bibles and occupation by government forces of buildings housing the Sudan Council of Churches and Sudan Aid in Dafur province. Latest News P3 - Public Witness: Addressing Power and Affirming Peace P603 - Accompanying churches in situations of conflict P301 - Decade to Overcome Violence P302 - Global advocacy for justice and accountability P303 - Human rights to enhance human dignity Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:14:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16117&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=309916d99d746ca965b38d2abc36f0c6 Jessie Fubara-Manuel shares her views on violence, the HIV pandemic and struggles of women in churches to become part of the solution in Nigeria. She is a Presbyterian elder, a poet and a human resources consultant and has been involved with the World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical HIV and AIDS Initiative in Africa (EHAIA) programme. Feature Latest News P407 - Ecumenical HIV/AIDS Initiative in Africa (EHAIA) P406 - Health and healing P301 - Decade to Overcome Violence Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:30:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16116&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=6769c478ae0af12cb8e1626ef480f45e The new issue of International Review of Mission (IRM) presents the latest draft of a new WCC mission statement and invites wider participation in the process of developing it further for presentation to the WCC 10th Assembly in Busan in 2013. Latest News P2 - Unity Mission Evangelism and Spirituality P203 - Ecumenical perspectives on mission and unity P204 - Towards just and inclusive communities P403 - Migration and social justice Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:34:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16115&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=e9461c90ef7c74440bd9aa1c2a83dcb5 In a joint statement issued on 18 April, "the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) express grave concern over the escalating armed conflict between Sudan and South Sudan and call upon both parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any further deterioration of the situation." Latest News P603 - Accompanying churches in situations of conflict P301 - Decade to Overcome Violence Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:04:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16114&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=70d13c0d420912fc4ad0cf0dd8118dfe The World Council of Churches (WCC) has expressed great appreciation for recent comments by Mehmet Görmez, head of the Religious Affairs Directorate in Turkey, who sharply criticized the Fatwa (religious order) of Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti endorsing the destruction of churches, criticizing it as baseless and against Islamic principles. Latest News P601 - Strengthening inter-religious trust and respect Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:13:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16113&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=37072690714eb54abecf1227dd947122 The pure gift of peace, meant to be shared freely as a blessing from God, is the theme of an Easter 2012 reflection by the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC). Latest News P201 - Called to be the one church P103 - Nurturing relationships with member churches P202 - Spirituality and worship in ecumenical context Thu, 12 Apr 2012 12:51:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16112&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=1afb1c73b3e55e5a952674d0b3395e0d After July, arms used to commit atrocities and serious crimes may become harder to buy, and harder to sell, internationally. That is if governments already agreed on the need to regulate the arms trade can agree on a treaty that is fit for the task and covers all conventional weapons. Latest News Feature P104 - Partnership with ecumenical organizations P3 - Public Witness: Addressing Power and Affirming Peace P301 - Decade to Overcome Violence P302 - Global advocacy for justice and accountability Thu, 29 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16109&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=b8ff9f958dbc40e78ad623503682c09f Rev. Dr Edmond Perret, a Swiss ecumenical leader who served from 1970 to 1989 as general secretary of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC), died at the age of 87 on 24 March in Geneva, Switzerland. Wed, 28 Mar 2012 16:11:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16108&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=2cfb39992795f6996f4a7f99b9b739c7 A Synaxis of the Primates of Eastern Orthodox Churches in the Middle East met in Cyprus on 27 March to discuss the situation of Christians in the region and to agree on common approaches to solidarity, strengthening and support of Christian communities struggling to maintain their presence in their historic homes. P304 - Churches in the Middle East: solidarity and witness for peace Tue, 27 Mar 2012 16:03:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16107&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=ab35d0d021443eef0dc8dd3ea8d2e086 The pre-assembly event of the WCC Commission on World Mission and Evangelism concluded in Manila on 27 March with spiritual reflections, prayer and a profound commitment to the churches' work on mission and evangelism. Latest News P203 - Ecumenical perspectives on mission and unity P2 - Unity Mission Evangelism and Spirituality P201 - Called to be the one church Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:04:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16102&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=c7eb786d40133540e96e4f2f69aebafa Sunday, 25 March was a day full of moving and thought provoking experiences for the participants of a pre-assembly event of the WCC Commission on World Mission and Evangelism, who spent half a day with a community living at a garbage dumpsite on the outskirts of Manila, Philippines. P2 - Unity Mission Evangelism and Spirituality Feature P203 - Ecumenical perspectives on mission and unity P204 - Towards just and inclusive communities Tue, 27 Mar 2012 08:48:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16106&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=7e4bd034e08f027c63104bbe49cb0dc6 Theological faculties in the Republic of Korea are preparing for the WCC 10th Assembly which is to take place in Busan in 2013. P5 - Education and Ecumenical Formation Latest News P503 - Ecumenical theological education P104 - Partnership with ecumenical organizations Mon, 26 Mar 2012 12:07:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16105&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=ea0e0525158a16bd8c9ef75279fa9423 The pre-assembly event of the WCC Commission on World Mission and Evangelism saw churches' renewed commitment and different approaches to mission and evangelism in a context of rapid change in society, politics and church. P502 - Ecumenical lay formation and faith nurture P201-2 On the way to visible unity: theological studies P503 - Ecumenical theological education P406 - Health and healing P201 - Called to be the one church Youth body P204-1 Churches overcoming racism P204-4 Ecumenical Disabilities Advocates Network P101 - Interpretation of the ecumenical vision of the WCC Mon, 26 Mar 2012 10:11:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16103&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=6a051e207daa2ac310281f76d2ab5f9b On 24 March, the WCC Commission on World Mission and Evangelism pre-assembly event invoked renewed thinking and commitment on evangelism, disassociated from the forces of oppression, and grounded in humility and respect for all. P203 - Ecumenical perspectives on mission and unity P204 - Towards just and inclusive communities Mon, 26 Mar 2012 07:00:00 +0200 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16101&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=815e7d3f95d76fb7e1d2d7d3155a2b96 Participants in the WCC Commission on World Mission and Evangelism pre-assembly event bring concerns of the marginalized, including women, young people, Dalits, Indigenous Peoples and minorities into the heart of the debate on mission and evangelism. P401 - Ecumenical solidarity Visits to member churches and partners P203 - Ecumenical perspectives on mission and unity P204 - Towards just and inclusive communities Fri, 23 Mar 2012 08:42:00 +0100 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16098&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=97e192b4cba1e0c6210845bb410a9f68 Transformative spirituality and mission is a significant point of discussion at the pre-assembly event of the WCC Commission on World Mission and Evangelism which is currently under way in Manila. Transformative spiritualities are also one of the constituent themes of the CWME statement on mission and evangelism that will be presented to the WCC 10th Assembly in Busan, Korea in 2013. Dr Rico Palaca Ponce, academic director of the Institute of Spirituality in Asia based in Quezon City, the Philippines, gave an interview on the topic. P503 - Ecumenical theological education P203 - Ecumenical perspectives on mission and unity P204-2 Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:30:00 +0100 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16087&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=b7230c422dae8b1e024fbd41c3935a67 Since 1982 there has been only one official statement of the WCC on mission and evangelism. Now, in 2012, the WCC's Commission on World Mission and Evangelism is preparing another statement to invoke new understanding of mission and evangelism amidst changing world and ecclesial scenarios. P503 - Ecumenical theological education P201 - Called to be the one church P2 - Unity Mission Evangelism and Spirituality P204-3 Solidarity with Dalits for justice and dignity P203 - Ecumenical perspectives on mission and unity P204 - Towards just and inclusive communities P204-1 Churches overcoming racism P204-2 Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples P204-4 Ecumenical Disabilities Advocates Network Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:00:00 +0100 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16088&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=10fea1cebf76eadfdbdb85771e85f4e9 A new video from the WCC called The Changing Face of Mission explores the history of mission since the 1910 Edinburgh conference on mission, and how during the past century mission has changed. P502 - Ecumenical lay formation and faith nurture P503 - Ecumenical theological education C101-4 Publications P2 - Unity Mission Evangelism and Spirituality C101-1 Web office and visual arts C101 - Giving voice and witness in the world P203 - Ecumenical perspectives on mission and unity Thu, 22 Mar 2012 14:03:00 +0100 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16092&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=101bc1cf7dae84b5236a4c4915d92d97 Justice must be the guiding principle for the upcoming summit on sustainable development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, church organizations say. P306 - Poverty wealth and ecology: impact of economic globalization P405 - Climate change and water: caring for creation P404 - Faith science technology and ethics P405-1 Public campaign on climate change P405-3 Ecumenical Water Network (EWN) P303 - Human rights to enhance human dignity Thu, 22 Mar 2012 10:19:00 +0100 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16089&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=df30fb5f6ecebc324c91f9fedf3607e5 With more than 200 participants from around the globe, a pre-assembly event of the WCC Commission on World Mission and Evangelism starts today in Manila, the Philippines. Its aim is to seek renewed thinking on mission and evangelism, developing the draft of a WCC statement on mission and evangelism. Visits to member churches and partners P201 - Called to be the one church P2 - Unity Mission Evangelism and Spirituality P203 - Ecumenical perspectives on mission and unity P204 - Towards just and inclusive communities P101 - Interpretation of the ecumenical vision of the WCC Thu, 22 Mar 2012 09:27:00 +0100 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16091&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=29e3cddfcfc614834e045ce53d398f53 Recent violent acts of terror in south-western France have been condemned in the strongest terms by the WCC general secretary, the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit. P303 - Human rights to enhance human dignity P601 - Strengthening inter-religious trust and respect P602 - Christian self-understanding amid many religions Thu, 22 Mar 2012 08:55:00 +0100 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16090&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=4be792164cd3d1c4e65136571bcda9ad “The situation of human rights violations remains worrisome in the Philippines. It ranges from vilification, harassment, torture, evacuation due to military operations and other inhumane treatment of political prisoners,” Marie Hilao-Enriquez told WCC staff during an encounter in Manila, Philippines on 21 March. Visits to member churches and partners P104 - Partnership with ecumenical organizations P302 - Global advocacy for justice and accountability P303 - Human rights to enhance human dignity Tue, 20 Mar 2012 16:51:00 +0100 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16085&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=aa9782202ae61cf01264c7af51ea9854 “Christians are to acknowledge that changing one’s religion is a decisive step that must be accompanied by sufficient time for reflection and preparation, through a process ensuring full personal freedom.” This assertion is one of the guiding principles for Christian mission in India suggested by a recent consultation at Serampore. P2 - Unity Mission Evangelism and Spirituality P203 - Ecumenical perspectives on mission and unity P602 - Christian self-understanding amid many religions P503 - Ecumenical theological education Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:28:00 +0100 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16084&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=0519d2d0fbac2cff9fba9a12de8c0377 In a series of visits to the Toronto offices of WCC member churches in Canada, and in a lecture and panel discussion on the evening of Wednesday 14 March, the general secretary explored contemporary hopes and challenges in the pursuit of Christian unity. P201 - Called to be the one church Visits to member churches and partners Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:06:00 +0100 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16083&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=86d6ea73aa7b8458df14e0ac9a98978c Joachim Gauck, a former Protestant pastor in East Germany and noted human rights activist, was elected on Sunday 18 March as president of the Federal Republic of Germany. Sun, 18 Mar 2012 18:16:00 +0100 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16082&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=0afa836d5b7e7888577a266b76fccb17 Pope Shenouda III, spiritual leader of the Egyptian Coptic Church since 1971 and a WCC president from 1991 to 1998, passed away on Saturday. In a letter to the church, the WCC general secretary paid tribute to Pope Shenouda’s unwavering pursuit of Christian unity and peace throughout the Middle East and the world. P103 - Nurturing relationships with member churches P603 - Accompanying churches in situations of conflict P304 - Churches in the Middle East: solidarity and witness for peace Fri, 16 Mar 2012 17:12:00 +0100 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16081&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=e711c170e5378437cdf0c9d7419a4a94 Following an announcement that Dr Rowan Williams will be stepping down from his position as Archbishop of Canterbury, the WCC expressed admiration for the archbishop’s ongoing leadership and his significant contribution to the ecumenical movement spanned over several years. P103 - Nurturing relationships with member churches Fri, 16 Mar 2012 11:47:00 +0100 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16077&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=a0e7a2342d94e975f3ef2788ec7a7ce4 A group of Christian leaders from Odisha, India, visited the WCC offices, sharing their experiences on working for religious freedom and lobbying for justice on behalf of religious minorities during the current session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. P401 - Ecumenical solidarity P204 - Towards just and inclusive communities P204-3 Solidarity with Dalits for justice and dignity P302-1-2 WCC UN Liaison Office NY P303 - Human rights to enhance human dignity Visits to the WCC (Ecumenical Centre) Thu, 15 Mar 2012 17:25:00 +0100 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16075&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=42536f12021db647699384949c4b561b To commemorate World Water Day, the World Council of Churches will be hosting a painting exhibition with the theme "Agua" (water) by renowned Argentine painter and artist, Néstor Favre-Mossier. His paintings will be displayed at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva from 19 to 23 March. P405-3 Ecumenical Water Network (EWN) P405 - Climate change and water: caring for creation Visits to the WCC (Ecumenical Centre) Thu, 15 Mar 2012 08:08:00 +0100 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16074&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=e13b99d08de94d5c087087e2d429fc6d “Words alone are inadequate to express our sorrow,” wrote WCC general secretary to the churches and people of Belgium following the death on Tuesday of 22 children and six adults in the crash of a hired coach near Sierre, Switzerland. Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:44:00 +0100 http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=1724&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=16069&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1634&cHash=80ca52203068a56e0c26e9a95d30aa3f The Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit has admired the Taizé community’s ecumenical approach to spirituality though “prayer, singing and silence”. “As we all work towards Christian unity, Taizé shows us how to be guests in prayer and overcome our divisions with humility,” said Tveit. P105 - Youth in the ecumenical movement: challenges and hopes Visits to the WCC (Ecumenical Centre) P104 - Partnership with ecumenical organizations P202 - Spirituality and worship in ecumenical context