News
"Make me a Channel of Your Peace", the first line of the prayer of a peacemaker attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi, is to be the theme for the Focus on Europe 2007 of the WCC's Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV).
The theme, selected by a group of young adults from throughout Europe, invites us to challenge violence in Europe actively and intentionally, while relying on God's promise and power, not our own. During the year, churches and peace groups will be encouraged to explore the theme and develop practical actions which promote peace and confront physical, psychological, and sexual violence, as well as violence in the form of deprivation and negligence. Special efforts will be made to develop new networks of peacemakers across generations and among ethnic and religious communities. The DOV Europe Focus will be highlighted at the European Ecumenical Assembly in Sibiu, Romania, September 2007.
The WCC's Decade to Overcome Violence was launched in 2001 and seeks to mobilize the peace-making potential of Christians and churches worldwide. Each year, one world region is the subject of a special focus. More information on the DOV and the Europe Focus are available on www.overcomingviolence.org.