News in brief 
21. January 08
Re-inventing Dalit theology for the 21st century
In order to serve the Indian church and the people more effectively, Dalit theology needs to re-invent itself as a theology of life for all. This was one of the findings of an international symposium that brought together some 30 Dalit theologians, social activists and academics from around the globe in Kolkata, India, last week.
14. January 08
WCC director applauds liberation of Colombian hostages
The liberation of Clara Rojas and Consuelo González "is a sign of hope that shows that a negotiated solution to the situation in Colombia is possible", stated today Rev. Elenora Giddings Ivory, director of the World Council of Churches (WCC) programme on Public witness: addressing power and affirming peace.
4. January 08
WCC president receives honor
The World Council of Churches president from Europe, Dr Mary Tanner, was recently rewarded with the title of Dame in Queen Elizabeth II's New Year Honours list. As one of eight presidents of the WCC, she serves as an "ambassador" to the ecumenical movement in general and the WCC.
Pakistan churches urge international support after Bhutto's death
Churches in Pakistan have condemned the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto while appealing for international help in eradicating terrorism in their country.
Read a featured article by Ecumenical News International (ENI)
14. December 07
Stop "insatiable consumption" of the few and focus on the problems of the many say ecumenical climate advocates
Societies must move away from "promoting endless growth and production of goods" as well as a "seemingly insatiable" consumption, says a statement presented today by the World Council of Churches to the plenary of high-level government representatives at the UN climate summit in Bali, Indonesia. While "the poorer carry the burden of the irresponsible waste of resources, energy and extreme consumerism of the richer,"...
7. December 07
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights' 60th anniversary makes 2008 an opportunity for passionate church advocacy
As 2008 marks the 60th anniversary of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it will be a "fantastic opportunity" for churches to re-connect with the endeavour of protecting and promoting human dignity, participants at an international ecumenical consultation were told.
6. December 07
European Union should not pressure developing countries to hastily sign trade agreements against their interests, WCC says
Concern about undue pressure exerted by the European Union on African, Caribbean and Pacific countries to sign interim Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) by the end of the year has been expressed by World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia in a 6 December letter to EU commissioner for external trade Peter Mandelson. The interim agreements open up local markets to competition with European companies without adequate...
6. December 07
Genetic advances and new biotechnologies force churches to reaffirm human dignity and the integrity of the web of life
Participants at a 2-5 December Global Consultation on Genetics and New Biotechnologies held in Johannesburg, South Africa stated that "the creativity of science needs to serve the common good" and cautioned against the risk of biotechnology leading to "increased dependency and threat to biodiversity". "Communities can be devastated by the intrusion of genetically modified seeds and bio-piracy", participants said. They recognized the "need for...
30. November 07
International Day of Solidarity with Palestinians: WCC emphasizes international community failure
Rev. Christopher Ferguson, representative of the World Council of Churches to the United Nations, denounced that "the international community has failed and continues to fail to stand with the Palestinian people in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem and worldwide in ending the brutal military occupation, ongoing dispossession and securing the right to return".
Students and youth call to prayer and action for Christian unity
On the occassion of the Week of Prayer's 100th anniversary in 2008, global Christian youth organizations are encouraging all their members to take action for Christian unity. They strongly encourage all members at the local, national and continental levels to organize common actions during the week with other Christian student and youth organizations.