Unity, mission, evangelism and spirituality

: Photo: Peter Williams / WCC

The WCC encourages churches to call one another to visible unity, work together for more faithful mission in the world, and deepen the spiritual dimensions of their lives. Recognizing that these areas are interrelated, it attempts to do this in an integrated way.

In addressing unity, mission, evangelism and spirituality, this programme works, among others, through the WCC Faith and Order Commission, the Commission of World Mission and Evangelism (CWME), and and a range of ecumenical networks concerning racism, migration, the needs and rights of indigenous peoples, Dalits and people living with disabilities. They provide links with many member and non-member churches and organizations active in these areas.

Projects

Called to be the one church: This project examines issues - theological, historical and social - that continue to divide the churches, and develops agreed positions on these issues (building on a "Called to be the one church" text adopted by the WCC's 9th Assembly in February 2006)
Spirituality and worship: This project encourages churches to explore traditional and newer dimensions of ecumenical spiritual life, continue work on the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, and collect resources for worship and healing in community.
Mission and unity: This project is launching - in preparation for the centennial of the 1910 Edinburgh world mission conference, and in order to sharpen ecumenical understanding and practice of mission - an international study on holding commitment to unity together with mission and evangelism.
Just and inclusive communities: In relation to the unity and mission of the church, this project challenges churches to confront and overcome exclusion of and discrimination against people with disabilities, indigenous and racially oppressed peoples, ethnic minorities and Dalits, and to build just and inclusive communities.