News
World Council of Churches (WCC) interim general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca is inviting the global fellowship to take part in International Youth Day with a virtual celebration on 12 August. A new resource has also been released to help churches engage with young people and enhance their formation as Christian disciples.
The special celebration of youth will include music and song, prayer and Bible study, along with expert presentations. “The special focus this year is the mental health of young people, an arena of particular concern in these stressful and uncertain days, and one in which the churches can be especially helpful,” writes Sauca. “Indeed, we are also launching a rich resource for congregational engagement with the mental health of youth, a kind of congregational toolkit with background information, and suggestions for workshops, conversation topics, and prayers.”
The WCC is also welcoming further contributions to the 12 August programme, including art, video greetings, photos, songs, dances, and other creative ideas.
“As we have seen from recent events, whether in wrestling with climate change, gender justice, or racial equality, young people are not just our future church or its future leaders. Nor are they simply persons whose needs we must meet,” writes Sauca. “They are instead already full partners and catalysts in our ecclesial communities, in the ecumenical fellowship, and in the active betterment of our world.”
Invitation Letter for the International Youth Day
Youth in the ecumenical movement