WCC says a proposed new treaty to ban cluster munitions must be strong

The WCC Central Committee this week condemned a whole category of peculiarly indiscriminate weapons known as cluster munitions. A cluster munition scatters many small bombs in order to kill and injure people over a wide area. The church debate in Geneva coincided with a world conference on banning the weapons that stirred deep debate between governments and NGOs meeting in New Zealand.

A Dame of ecumenism

Dr Mary Tanner, WCC president from Europe, was late for these central committee meetings. She had a good reason, though: an audience with Britain's Queen Elizabeth II.

Ambassadors of hope

The four newest titles in the WCC's "Risk Series" were introduced at a session with the authors Monday afternoon.

Ceremony at Bossey

After 25 years standing vigil at the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, a totem pole was returned to the soils of the earth during a ceremony on Sunday.

Ecumenical Accompaniers join Gaza convoy and protest

WCC general secretary confident about Christian unity progress

At today's ecumenical Vespers service presided by Pope Benedict XVI, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia underlined the importance of "a church that is one and united in its witness" to a world marked by violence and disunity. The service in Rome marked the conclusion of the 100th anniversary of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Christian youth movements call for signs of unity

A number of major international Christian youth movements and organizations called for stronger efforts towards unity in a joint statement issued on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Addressed to the heads of the Roman Catholic Church, the World Council of Churches, Christian World Communions and Regional Ecumenical Organizations, the statement asks them to "share ecumenical dialogue with young...

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.

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.

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.