News
During a visit from World Council of Churches (WCC) deputy general secretary Prof. Dr Isabel Apawo Phiri, WCC member churches in Japan received expressions of appreciation from the WCC for hosting various visits and forums that strengthened ecumenical ties.
WCC members in Japan reported a deepening spirit of koinonia as well as more involvement in the programmatic life of the WCC, particularly as the ecumenical movement sets its sights on the upcoming WCC 11th Assembly in 2021 in Karlsruhe, Germany.
WCC member churches in Japan highlighted the support they have given to worldwide networks advocating for a ban on the use of nuclear energy and weapons. That issue has become deeply important in Japan following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011, the most severe nuclear accident since Chernobyl. Churches in Japan are calling upon WCC member churches, other Christian churches and ecumenical partners to join in a campaign for natural energy.
As churches in Japan face a decline in membership, church leaders are seeking creative evangelism and mission in a multi-religious context in which Christians are a minority. WCC member churches in Japan want to be more effective in reaching out to young people as disciples in the Christian faith.
Church leaders in Japan also shared about their efforts to overcome the discrimination of minority communities, such as the Korean community and the Buraku community. Churches in Japan have been supporting the Centre for Minority Issues and Mission, which engages in a variety of activities with the aim to realize an inclusive society in which diversity can be celebrated with dignity and joy by every person.
Churches in Japan also expressed their appreciation for an ecumenical partnership with the Roman Catholic Church and other faith traditions, focusing on peace building and interreligious dialogues that promote justice, peace, and racial awareness.
“Pilgrims walk with minorities in Japan” - WCC news release 16 September 2019
