News releases 
10. March 08
WCC expresses sorrow to victims' families, condemns attack on Jewish seminary
"We express our sincere sorrow and sympathy to the families of those who were killed or injured in the shootings last week at the Mercaz Harav Yeshiva in Jerusalem," said World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia on 10 March, joining his voice to those of the Heads of Churches in Jerusalem. "An attack on a Jewish seminary has a profound impact on all people of faith. The World Council of Churches...
3. March 08
UN and WCC general secretaries forge closer partnership on climate change and democracy issues
In a wide ranging discussion at the Geneva-based World Council of Churches (WCC) the UN secretary general, H.E. Ban Ki-Moon and WCC general secretary, Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia found agreement for the two world bodies to work more closely on several global issues, particularly climate change.
3. March 08
WCC "absolutely condemns" attacks on civilians in Gaza and Israel
Absolute condemnation for the "deadly attacks on civilians by the Israeli military on Gaza and by militants firing rockets from Gaza" was expressed by the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia today. Claiming that "the path to peace stands open but empty," he called for an end of the "incessant violations of life and of human rights" and of the "blockade that has systematically...
21. February 08
WCC central committee: Making a difference together
The World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee closed its 13-20 February meeting after having chosen the venue for the 2011 International Ecumenical Peace Convocation, achieved progress towards a broader WCC Assembly, welcomed new member churches, appointed a search committee for a new general secretary and celebrated the Council's 60th anniversary. The WCC main governing body also put its stamp on a number of public statements, policy...
20. February 08
Search committee for a new WCC general secretary begins its work
Presided by an African woman, with a membership that includes three youth, eight women, four Orthodox and a strong representation from the South, the search committee for a new World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary has already begun to work.
20. February 08
WCC statements address climate change, other topics
The World Council of Churches central committee issued a reminder on the pressing issue of climate change this week, urging member churches and others to "Be stewards of God's creation".
20. February 08
"We hope to contribute to the progress of the ecumenical movement"
Interview with Rev. Assir Pereira, president of the Presbyterian Independent Church of Brazil, about his church newly joining the World Council of Churches. Rev. Pereira attended the WCC Central Committee meeting, held in Geneva from 13 to 20 February.
20. February 08
Three statements pay attention to elections
Election issues fresh from the headlines formed the focus for three public statements adopted by the World Council of Churches central committee on Tuesday 19 February in Geneva: one each on Kenya and Pakistan, and one on the larger picture of democratic electoral processes.
19. February 08
HIV/AIDS: "We can't be silent"
Dr Ezra Chitando grew up in Zimbabwe surrounded by the devastating reality of HIV/AIDS. Now he is trying to change the future for others by training clergy throughout Africa about the role of the church in engaging this disease.
19. February 08
Church statements should have roots in scripture
Rev. Kjell Magne Bondevik, former prime minister of Norway and now moderator of the World Council of Churches' Commission of the Churches on International Affairs (CCIA), wants to see the WCC's public statements carry a distinctly religious tone.