Overcoming racism and the need to focus attention on the life and dignity of its victims has been a major WCC concern for several decades. Regrettably, new forms of racism constantly emerge and racial violence is on the rise.
The WCC challenges the churches to address racism in their own structures and life, and draws on their work and experience in this struggle. Over the coming period, work will concentrate on:
- analyzing contemporary forms of slavery while commemorating the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade; a 2007 conference in the Caribbean will attempt to express churches' views on repentance and reparations and on the crisis to human dignity in today's globalized world;
- through a "Sisters" network of Black, Indigenous, Dalit and ethnic-minority women who suffer from racism, sexism, casteism, exclusion and marginalization, the WCC supports women's leadership development and networking;
- a publication on youth perspectives on racism in the 21st century;
- churches overcoming racism in Europe: in a context of large-scale migration to Europe and the changing face of Christianity on the continent, a consultation will attempt to synthesize theological insights with concrete examples of good practice from the experience of Christian communities.
