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The Joint Working Group between the Roman Catholic Church and the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Lyon, France. Photo: WCC

The Joint Working Group between the Roman Catholic Church and the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Lyon, France. Photo: WCC

The Joint Working Group between the Roman Catholic Church and the World Council of Churches (WCC) met in Lyon, France for its annual plenary session from 2-5 September. The group released a communique focusing on migration and peace building, outlining areas for theological reflection and cooperation.

“The participants highlighted the political contexts in India, China, Uganda, USA, South and Central America and parts of Europe, framing the changing political situations which are affecting migration and ecumenical life as Christians attempt to respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by the two focus areas,” reads the communique. “Attention was also given to engaging young people in peace building and issues of migration.”

The group acknowledged the efforts of churches and communities in planning and implementing peace building initiatives and migration programmes in different parts of the world. “There was a noticeable connection between migration and the socio-political climate in countries that traditionally welcomed and received migrants in Europe and North America,” reads the communique.

The work of the Joint Working Group will be shared at the WCC 11th Assembly in 2021 through a report entitled “Walking, Praying and Working Together.”

 

Joint Working Group 2019 Plenary Communique