World Council of Churches

A worldwide fellowship of churches seeking unity, a common witness and Christian service


You are here: Home / Resources / Documents / WCC commissions and working groups

Documents by WCC commissions and working groups

Documents by commissions and working groups of the World Council of Churches

Please refer to the menu on the left-hand side to see more documents from a specific commission or group.

Title EffectiveDate document_type document_owner Description
WCC letter to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on West Bank and East Jerusalem 08 August 2019 Letter Commission on International Affairs WCC letter to Ms. Michelle Bachelet, High Commissioner for Human Rights on Human rights violations in West Bank, East Jerusalem
2019 Sunday Prayer Worship for Peaceful Reunification of the Korean Peninsula 06 August 2019 Liturgical text Echos - Commission on youth in the ecumenical movement August 15 is celebrated as Liberation Day in Korea, the day that signifies Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonization. In 2013, the WCC 10th General Assembly meeting in Busan, Korea passed a resolution that the churches of the world will annually observe each Sunday prior to August 15 as a “Sunday of Prayer for the Peaceful Reunification of the Korean Peninsula.” The Reconciliation and Reunification Committee of the NCCK drafted this liturgy in the hopes that each church could apply it with reference to their own situation. The Joint Prayer for the Peaceful Reunification of the Korean Peninsula was prepared by both the NCCK (South) and the Korean Christian Federation (North) together. In 2018 the two leaders from North and South Korea met and adopted the Panmunjom Declaration and the Pyongyang Declaration. Korean people together with the whole world celebrated and affirmed the two declarations as they pave a new way to peace, prosperity, and unification of the divided Korea. The NCCK together with the global ecumenical community will consolidate all its effort to actualize the spirit of the two declarations.
WCC CCIA statement to the UN Human Rights Council 41st Session (Item 7: Human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories) 24 July 2019 Message Commission on International Affairs The Commission of the Churches on International Affairs of the World Council of Churches expressed its grave concern about the high rate of evictions and demolitions in East-Jerusalem.
Antisemitism, definitions and future cooperation 22 July 2019 Message Commission on International Affairs Speech by Peter Prove, director of the WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs at the IJCIC-WCC meeting "The normalization of hatred: Challenges for Jews and Christians today", 25-27 June 2019, Paris
Report of Rev. Dr Susan Durber, Faith and Order Moderator, to Faith and Order Commission, Nanjing, China, June 2019 25 June 2019 Commission on Faith and Order The World Council of Churches (WCC) Faith and Order Commission held a meeting 12-19 June 2019, in Nanjing, China. Hosted by the China Christian Council, the commission met to discuss and make decisions about the results of the work of its three study groups on ecclesiology, moral discernment and the pilgrimage of justice and peace. The venue of the meeting raised awareness on important ecclesiological issues in the hosting country.
Report of Rev. Dr Odair Pedroso Mateus, Faith and Order Director, to Faith and Order Commission, Nanjing, June 2019, China 24 June 2019 Commission on Faith and Order The World Council of Churches (WCC) Faith and Order Commission held a meeting 12-19 June 2019, in Nanjing, China. Hosted by the China Christian Council, the commission met to discuss and make decisions about the results of the work of its three study groups on ecclesiology, moral discernment and the pilgrimage of justice and peace. The venue of the meeting raised awareness on important ecclesiological issues in the hosting country.
JWG Executive, 6-8 May 2019, Warsaw, Poland; Communique 09 May 2019 Statement: public statement Joint Working Group The Executive Committee of the Joint Working Group (JWG) between the World Council of Churches and the Roman Catholic Church met in Warsaw, Poland, from 6 to 8 May 2019 under the leadership of His Eminence Archbishop and Metropolitan Nifon of Târgoviște (Romanian Orthodox Church) and His Excellency Diarmuid Martin, Catholic Archbishop of Dublin and Primate of Ireland. Meeting at the Retreat Center of the Disciples of the Divine Master, the group had an excellent opportunity to learn about the ecclesial and ecumenical situation in Poland. Time was given to sharing about recent activities and ongoing cooperation between the Catholic Church and the WCC.
Role of the ecumenical community for healing and reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula 07 March 2019 Lecture - Speech Commission on International Affairs Presented by Peter Prove at the International Seminar on the Ecumenical Diaconal Ministry of North/South Korea, 4-5 March 2019, Seoul
TCTCV, Chinese translation 14 February 2019 Background document Commission on Faith and Order The Church: Towards a Common Vision, Chinese translation
2018 Global Peace Forum on Korea: Peace and Prosperity for Korea and the World 04 October 2018 Lecture - Speech Commission on International Affairs Keynote address of Peter Prove, Director of the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs, World Council of Churches at the 2018 Global Peace Forum on Korea, New York, 29 September 2018
Communiqué by the Joint Working Group between the WCC and the RCC, September 2018 07 September 2018 Message Joint Working Group Communiqué by the Joint Working Group between the WCC and the RCC, September 2018
Message from the delegation of the World Council of Churches and ACT Alliance to the Churches and People of Nicaragua 31 August 2018 Message Commission on International Affairs “We have sought to support dialogue as a means to resolve differences, and to reaffirm and strengthen calls for justice, peace and respect for diverse ways of thinking in contemporary societies”, reads a message issued by the members of an ecumenical delegation led by the World Council of Churches (WCC) that visited Nicaragua, on 28-29 August 2018.
WCC comment on IHRA definition of antisemitism 30 August 2018 Message Commission on International Affairs The World Council of Churches (WCC) regards antisemitism as irreconcilable with the profession and practice of the Christian faith.
WCC letter to the Nitijeļā Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs & Trade for the Republic of the Marshall Islands 04 July 2018 Letter Commission on International Affairs Letter to Sen. Maynard Alfred, chairperson of the Nitijeļā Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs & Trade for the Republic of the Marshall Islands from the World Council of Churches on signing and ratifying the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).
Worship and background material for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2019 27 June 2018 Liturgical text Commission on Faith and Order The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2019 has been prepared by Christians from Indonesia. With a population of 265 million, 86% of whom are reckoned to be Muslim, Indonesia is well known as having the largest Muslim population of any country. However, about 10% of Indonesians are Christian from various traditions. In terms of both population and the vast extension of the country Indonesia is the biggest nation in South East Asia.
Communiqué by the Joint Working Group between the WCC and the RCC, May 2018 07 June 2018 Message Joint Working Group Communiqué by the Joint Working Group between the World Council of Churches and the Roman Catholic Church
By-Laws of Commission on Education and Ecumenical Formation 10 April 2018 Policy document WCC Commisions By-Laws of the World Council of Churches' Commission on Ecumenical Education and Formation, amended by the Executive Committee in June 2015
Bishop Brian Farrell: I Have a Dream to Share with You 13 March 2018 Lecture - Speech Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Documents of the Conference on World Mission and Evangelism in Arusha, Tanzania
Rev. Dr Sang Chang: I Have a Dream 13 March 2018 Lecture - Speech Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Documents of the Conference on World Mission and Evangelism in Arusha, Tanzania
Rev Kathryn Mary Lohre: Embracing the Cross for the Sake of our Neighbors 13 March 2018 Lecture - Speech Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Documents of the Conference on World Mission and Evangelism in Arusha, Tanzania
Rev. Dr Angelique Walker-Smith: Carrying the Cross of the Experience of the Pan African Women’s Ecumenical Empowerment Network 13 March 2018 Lecture - Speech Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Documents of the Conference on World Mission and Evangelism in Arusha, Tanzania
Prof. Dr Vuyani Vellem: The Spiritual Dimension of Embracing the Cross 13 March 2018 Lecture - Speech Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Documents of the Conference on World Mission and Evangelism in Arusha, Tanzania
Rev. Dr Roberto E. Zwetsch: Testimony on “Carrying the Cross of Poverty” 13 March 2018 Lecture - Speech Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Equipped disciples: testimony brought by Rev. Dr Roberto E. Zwetsch to the plenary on embracing the cross of the Conference on World Mission and Evangelism
Keynote Address by His Holiness Mor Ignatius Aphrem II 13 March 2018 Lecture - Speech Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Embracing the Cross Plenary: Keynote Address by His Holiness Mor Ignatius Aphrem II Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church at the Conference of World Mission and Evangelism, March 13, 2018, in Arusha, Tanzania
Revd Christoph Anders: Arusha 2018 and Global Mission, CWME Plenary Discussion 13 March 2018 Lecture - Speech Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Revd Christoph Anders, Member of the Commission on World Mission and Evangelism, Director of the Evangelisches Missionswerk
Missional formation plenary: Panel Interviews 12 March 2018 Lecture - Speech Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Documents of the Conference on World Mission and Evangelism in Arusha, Tanzania
Rev. Dr Collin I Cowan: Mission Agency Reformed by the Call to Discipleship 12 March 2018 Lecture - Speech Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Documents of the Conference on World Mission and Evangelism in Arusha, Tanzania
Fr Richard Nnyombi: Formation as Discipleship through the example of a Missionary Society, Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers) 12 March 2018 Lecture - Speech Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Documents of the Conference on World Mission and Evangelism in Arusha, Tanzania
Bishop Mark MacDonald: Missional Formation - Leadership Training 12 March 2018 Lecture - Speech Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Documents of the Conference on World Mission and Evangelism in Arusha, Tanzania
Rev. Dr Septemmy E. Lakawa: Risky Witnessing, History of Wounds, Compassionate Leadership 12 March 2018 Lecture - Speech Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Documents of the Conference on World Mission and Evangelism in Arusha, Tanzania
Ms Nafkot M. Dessaleg: Signs of times and the importance of discipleship training 12 March 2018 Lecture - Speech Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Documents of the Conference on World Mission and Evangelism in Arusha, Tanzania
Rt. Rev. Dhiloraj Ranjit Canagasabey: Missional Formation Plenary - Action and Reflection 12 March 2018 Lecture - Speech Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Documents of the Conference on World Mission and Evangelism in Arusha, Tanzania
Becoming Disciples, Transforming the World: Keynote Message by Adi Mariana Waqa 10 March 2018 Lecture - Speech Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Documents of the Conference on World Mission and Evangelism in Arusha, Tanzania
Bishop Iosif de Pátara: Perspectives on Evangelism as Contextual and Prophetic 10 March 2018 Lecture - Speech Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Documents of the Conference on World Mission and Evangelism in Arusha, Tanzania
Jin S. Kim: A New Reformation - Evangelism as Life Together 10 March 2018 Lecture - Speech Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Documents of the Conference on World Mission and Evangelism in Arusha, Tanzania
Isis Kangudie Mana: For a contextual and prophetic approach to evangelism in the Democratic Republic of Congo 10 March 2018 Lecture - Speech Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Documents of the Conference on World Mission and Evangelism in Arusha, Tanzania
Rev. Dr. Manhong Melissa Lin: Evangelism as Contextual and Prophetic, A Chinese Perspective 10 March 2018 Lecture - Speech Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Documents of the Conference on World Mission and Evangelism in Arusha, Tanzania
Prof. Dr Dimitra Koukoura: Perspectives on Evangelism as contextual and prophetic (Europe) 10 March 2018 Lecture - Speech Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Documents of the Conference on World Mission and Evangelism
Rev. Dr Susan Durber: Mission - Unity and Diversity 09 March 2018 Lecture - Speech Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Rev. Dr Susan Durber: Mission - Unity and Diversity
Rev. Prof. Dr Micheline Kamba Kasongo: Mission as Movement "Together toward Life" 09 March 2018 Lecture - Speech Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Rev. Prof. Dr Micheline Kamba Kasongo: Mission as Movement "Together toward Life"
Prof. Roderick R Hewitt: Mission Thinking and Formation Beyond 2018 09 March 2018 Message Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Prof. Roderick R Hewitt: Mission Thinking and Formation Beyond 2018
Report of the CWME Director Jooseop Keum: From Athens to Arusha 09 March 2018 Report Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Report of the CWME Director Jooseop Keum: From Athens to Arusha
CWME Moderator's Address, Metropolitan Geevarghese Coorilos 09 March 2018 Message Commission on World Mission and Evangelism CWME Moderator's Address, Metropolitan Geevarghese Coorilos
Response to keynote speech: Upolu Lumā Vaai, Fiji Islands 08 March 2018 Message Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Response to Mutale Mulenga-Kaunda's keynote speech at the CWME 2018.
Response Néstor Míguez to keynote speech 08 March 2018 Message Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Response Néstor Míguez to keynote speech during CWME in Arusha, Tanzania
Keynote speech by Mutale Mulenga-Kaunda 08 March 2018 Message Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Keynote speech "Transforming Disciples, Transforming the Future: Young African Women and the Search for a Liberated Future", at CWME in Arusha, Tanzania.
Welcome Greetings by Dr Agnes Abuom 08 March 2018 Message Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Welcome Greetings by Dr Agnes Abuom at CWME in Arusha, Tanzania
Opening Address of WCC general secretary Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit 08 March 2018 Message Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Opening Address of WCC general secretary Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit at CWME 2018
Women’s Pre-Conference Message 07 March 2018 Message Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Women in Mission: Women’s Pre-Conference Message, Arusha, Tanzania. 6 -7 March 2018
Bible Study 4 for Conference on World Mission and Evangelism in Arusha, Tanzania 03 January 2018 Liturgical text Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Bible Study 4, "Equipped Disciples: Embracing the Cross", Luke 24:1–12
Bible Study 3 for Conference on World Mission and Evangelism in Arusha, Tanzania 03 January 2018 Liturgical text Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Bible Study 3, "Transforming the World: Equipping Disciples", 2 Corinthians 5:11-21
Bible Study 2 for Conference on World Mission and Evangelism in Arusha, Tanzania 03 January 2018 Liturgical text Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Bible Study 2, "Transforming the World, according to Jesus’ Vision of the Kingdom", Matthew 5:1-16
Bible Study 1 for Conference on World Mission and Evangelism in Arusha, Tanzania 03 January 2018 Liturgical text Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Bible Study 1, "Following Jesus: Becoming Disciples", Mark 6:1–13
Communiqué by the Joint Working Group, September 2017 19 September 2017 Message Joint Working Group Communiqué by the Joint Working Group between the World Council of Churches and the Roman Catholic Church
Message of the WCC CCIA on the nuclear weapon test by North Korea 04 September 2017 Message Commission on International Affairs Message of the WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs on the nuclear weapon test by North Korea
Communiqué of the Executive of the Joint Working Group, 27 April 2017 27 April 2017 Message Joint Working Group Communiqué issued on 27 April, where the group stresses that migration and peace-building in situations of violence are the two burning issues that the JWG wants to address more specifically during its present mandate.
Worship and background material for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2018 03 April 2017 Liturgical text Commission on Faith and Order The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2019 has been prepared by Christians from Indonesia. With a population of 265 million, 86% of whom are reckoned to be Muslim, Indonesia is well known as having the largest Muslim population of any country. However, about 10% of Indonesians are Christian from various traditions. In terms of both population and the vast extension of the country Indonesia is the biggest nation in South East Asia. The nation is founded on five principles called Pancasila, with the motto Bhineka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity). Across the diversity of ethnicity, language and religion, Indonesians have lived by the principle of gotong royong which is to live in solidarity and by collaboration. This always fragile harmony is today threatened in new ways. Much of the economic growth that Indonesia has experienced in recent decades has been built on a system that has competition at its heart. This is in stark contrast to the collaboration of gotong royong. Corruption is experienced in many forms. It infects politics and business, often with devastating consequences for the environment. In particular, corruption undermines justice and the implementation of law. Moved by these concerns, the Christians of Indonesia found that the words of Deuteronomy, “Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue ...” (see Deut. 16:18-20) spoke powerfully to their situation and needs. Before the people of God enter the land God has promised them they renew their commitment to the Covenant God established with them.
The protection needs of minorities from Syria and Iraq 28 November 2016 Report Commission on International Affairs The protection needs of minorities from Syria and Iraq
International Ecumenical Conference on a Peace Treaty for the Korean Peninsula 17 November 2016 Message Commission on International Affairs Communique from the International Ecumenical Conference on a Peace Treaty for the Korean Peninsula, Hong Kong SAR, 14-16 November 2016.
Religion and Religious Freedom in International Diplomacy: Workshop Summary Brief 24 October 2016 Report Commission on International Affairs Summary Brief from the Religion and Religious Freedom in International Diplomacy Workshop, UNHRC, 22 September 2016
Public Statement in Support of the Multilateral Negotiation of a Nuclear Weapons Ban in 2017 12 October 2016 Statement: public statement Commission on International Affairs Submitted to the 2016 UN General Assembly First Committee by Faith Communities Concerned about the Humanitarian Consequences of Nuclear Weapons
Freedom of Religion: Documents of the CCIA 22 September 2016 Report Commission on International Affairs Freedom of Religion and Belief: Statements and Issues of the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs (CCIA). To celebrate its 70th anniversary, the WCC-CCIA has compiled a comprehensive anthology of documents pertaining to religious freedom - 550-page collection includes statements, letters, reports and background studies.
Communiqué of the JWG Plenary Meeting 2016 17 September 2016 Statement: public statement Joint Working Group With its 2016 plenary meeting, the Joint Working Group between the WCC and the Roman Catholic Church (JWG) returned to the Ecumenical Institute at the Château de Bossey near Geneva, where the first meeting of the group was held in 1965.
Faith and Order publications list 04 May 2016 Background document Commission on Faith and Order Official numbered publications of the WCC Commission on Faith and Order
Worship and background material for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2017 29 January 2016 Liturgical text Commission on Faith and Order It was in the context of the Reformation Anniversary that the Council of Churches in Germany took up the work of creating the resources for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2017. It quickly became clear that the materials for this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity would need to have two accents: on the one hand, there should be a celebration of God’s love and grace, the “justification of humanity through grace alone”, reflecting the main concern of the churches marked by Martin Luther’s Reformation. On the other hand, the materials should also recognize the pain of the subsequent deep divisions which afflicted the Church, openly name the guilt, and offer an opportunity to take steps toward reconciliation. Ultimately it was Pope Francis’ 2013 Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (“The Joy of the Gospel”) which provided the theme for this year, when it used the quote: “The Love of Christ Compels Us” (Paragraph 9). With this scripture (2 Cor 5:14), taken in the context of the entire fifth chapter of the second letter to the Corinthians, the German committee formulated the theme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2017.
Human Rights Day 2015 10 December 2015 Statement: public statement Commission on International Affairs Statement on International Human Rights Day
Minutes of the Meeting at the Monastery of Caraiman 01 December 2015 Minutes Commission on Faith and Order Faith and Order Paper No. 222
Letter on European refugee situation 09 September 2015 Statement: letter Commission on International Affairs Letter on European refugee situation, jointly issued by the World Council of Churches, the Conference of European Churches and the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe.
Statement on first Conference of States Parties to the Arms Trade Treaty 20 August 2015 Statement: public statement Commission on International Affairs Statement on First Conference of States Parties to the Arms Trade Treaty issued by the WCC international affairs office.
A personal testimony by Bishop Jonas Jonson 23 June 2015 Message Joint Working Group A personal testimony by Bishop Jonas Jonson, presented at the meeting celebrating WCC-RCC Joint Working Group 50 years in Rome, 23 June 2015.
ECHOS - Commission Report for Executive Committee 30 May 2015 Report Echos - Commission on youth in the ecumenical movement Report from the first meeting of the ECHOS - Commission on youth engagement in the ecumenical movement: 8-13 May 2015, Cairo, Egypt
Worship and background material for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2016 03 March 2015 Liturgical text Commission on Faith and Order The calling shared by all the baptized to proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord forms the theme of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity for 2016. Inspired by two verses from the First Letter of St Peter, members of different churches in Latvia prepared the resources for the week.
Statement of concern over recent protests (against an electoral law) in the Democratic Republic of Congo 22 January 2015 Statement: public statement Commission on International Affairs Statement of concern over recent protests (against an electoral law) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Oral intervention Special Session on Iraq 01 September 2014 Lecture - Speech Commission on International Affairs Oral intervention - Special Session of the Human Rights Council on the Human Rights Situation in Iraq Commission of the Churches on International Affairs of the WCC on 1 September 2014.
Statement for UNHRC special session on Iraq 01 September 2014 Statement: public statement Commission on International Affairs Statement by the WCC's Commission of Churches on International Affairs for the UN Human Rights Council's special session on the human rights situation in Iraq, held on 1 September 2014 in Geneva, Switzerland.
CCIA reports 2010-13 21 August 2014 Report Commission on International Affairs This volume contains important documents on the WCC involvement in international affairs through various actions of public witness during the period 2010-2013.
CCIA reports 2007-09 11 August 2014 Report Commission on International Affairs This volume contains important documents on the WCC involvement in international affairs through various actions of public witness during the period 2007-2009.
Communiqué: Called to Dialogue 16 May 2014 Report Commission on Faith and Order Communiqué on ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue in conversation, produced at a meeting organized by the WCC’s Commission on Faith and Order and the WCC programme for inter-religious dialogue and cooperation, from 12 to 14 May 2014
Communiqué on human trafficking 15 April 2014 Statement: public statement Commission on International Affairs Communiqué adopted at an international consultation on “Migration and Human Trafficking: Modern Slavery?” organized by the WCC’s Commission of the Churches on International Affairs and the Christian Conference of Asia, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from 4 to 8 April.
Worship and background material for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2015 15 April 2014 Liturgical text Commission on Faith and Order Jointly prepared and published by the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity and the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2015 is rooted in the experience of the churches in Brazil.
The rule of tyranny and the Reign of God 26 December 2013 Message Commission on International Affairs A Christmas reflection by Bishop Duleep de Chickera, a member of the WCC's Commission of the Churches on International Affairs.
International Affairs at the Tenth Assembly 20 November 2013 Report Commission on International Affairs Statements, Minutes and Resolution
Communiqué on Asia’s human security challenges 12 June 2013 Statement: public statement Commission on International Affairs Communiqué titled "Seeds of hope for building peace with justice for fullness of life in Asia" produced by the participants of an international consultation on "Asia’s Human Security Challenges: Towards Sustainable Peace with Justice in North East Asia" organized by the CCIA and the Christian Conference of Asia.
Summary of the Ninth Report 12 June 2013 Report Joint Working Group This document offers a summary of the Ninth report from the Joint Working Group between the Roman Catholic Church and the WCC, which relates the focus and work of the group from 2007 through 2012. As the group approaches its fiftieth year, its recent foci include in-depth work on the notion of ecclesial reception of ecumenical work, the spiritual roots of ecumenism, church participation of youth, and emerging work on migration.
Ninth report of the Joint Working Group 12 June 2013 Report Joint Working Group This report outlines the activities of the JWG during 2007-2012 and includes the two study documents and reflections on the role of youth. The JWG members offer these texts to the parent bodies, i.e. the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (PCPCU) and the World Council of Churches (WCC), and hope that they will be received by churches and Christians around the world, inspiring them in their own ecumenical journey.
2014 Worship and background material 31 May 2013 Liturgical text Commission on Faith and Order Brochure for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2014 jointly prepared and published by the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity and the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches.
The Church: Towards a Common Vision 06 March 2013 Study document Commission on Faith and Order What can we say together about the Church of the Triune God in order to grow in communion, to struggle together for justice and peace in the world, and to overcome together our past and present divisions? The Church: Towards a Common Vision a remarkable answer to this question. Produced by theologians from the widest range of Christian traditions and cultures, The Church addresses first the Church’s mission, unity, and its being in the Trinitarian life of God. It then addresses our growth in communion – in apostolic faith, sacramental life, and ministry – as churches called to live in and for the world.
Report of the Joint Consultative Group between Pentecostals and the World Council of Churches 05 March 2013 Report Joint Consultative Group Pentecostals - WCC The report of the Joint Consultative Group reflects the work of the group between the period 2007 and 2012. It is prepared as a resource for the Busan assembly with advice and recommendations for how to strengthen the dialogue between the fellowship of WCC member churches and Pentecostal churches around the world.
Communiqué on stateless people 05 March 2013 Statement: public statement Commission on International Affairs Communiqué from consultation on stateless people, “Towards an ecumenical advocacy on the rights of stateless people”held from 27 February to 1 March 2013 in Washington, D.C., United States.
Report of the Joint Consultative Commission between the WCC and Christian World Communions 2007 to 2012 05 March 2013 R Joint Consultative Commission WCC - Christian World Communions A report on the work of the Joint Consultative Commission between the World Council of Churches and Christian World Communions. A draft report has been shared with the WCC Central Committee (August 2012) and the Conference of Secretaries of Christian World Communions (October 2012) for information and feedback.
Human Rights of Stateless People 01 March 2013 Report Commission on International Affairs Report of the International Consultation "Towards an Ecumenical Advocacy on Rights of Stateless People"
Communiqué on peace and human security in Latin America 06 December 2012 S Commission on International Affairs Commission of the Churches on International Affairs (CCIA) of the World Council of Churches ( WCC) ‘Peace and Human Security in Latin America: Ecumenical Responses’ Communiqué from Antigua, Guatemala, 2nd December 2012
Proceedings of the 51st CCIA meeting 20 November 2012 Minutes Commission on International Affairs Shanghai and Nanjing, People’s Republic of China, 9-16 June 2012
Communique on misuse of blasphemy law in Pakistan 19 September 2012 Statement: public statement Commission on International Affairs Communique on misuse of blasphemy law and rights of religious minorities in Pakistan
Together Towards Life: Mission and Evangelism in Changing Landscapes 05 September 2012 Statement: public statement Commission on World Mission and Evangelism The CWME has, since the WCC 9th Assembly in 2006, been working and contributing toward the construction of a new ecumenical mission affirmation. The new statement will be presented to the WCC 10th assembly at Busan, Korea, in 2013.
Final Report of the Continuation Committee on Ecumenism in the 21st Century 27 August 2012 R Continuation Committee on Ecumenism in the 21st Century The final report of the committee included recommendations to the WCC, regional ecumenical organizations, national councils of churches, Christian world communions, ecumenical youth movements, specialized ministries, renewal movements, the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, and churches and organizations – whether or not traditionally seen as ecumenically engaged – on how to live out the gift of ecumenical calling in more intentional cooperation by all. It was received by the WCC Central Committee in September 2012 and will be forwarded to the WCC 10th Assembly in 2013.
International Consultation on Ecumenical Advocacy for the Protection of the Human Rights of Migrant Workers in the Arabian Gulf Region 02 May 2012 Report Commission on International Affairs 28 April - 2 May 2012 Alwaye, India
International Dialogues in Dialogue: Context and Reception. Tenth Forum on Bilateral Dialogues, 2012 01 May 2012 Commission on Faith and Order Meeting for the first time outside Europe, the tenth Forum on Bilateral Dialogues met in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in March 2012. Following the recommendations on the reception of ecumenical texts from the ninth forum, the meeting in Dar Es Salaam gave special attention to the reception of the achievements of the bilateral dialogues in the Global South. Its recommendations urge the international theological dialogues to be more intentional about questions of membership, methodology, and theological questions about Christian unity that emerge from the variety of contexts in the South.
2013 Worship and background material 24 April 2012 Liturgical text Commission on Faith and Order Annual brochure for the Week of prayer for Christian unity jointly prepared and published by the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity and the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches.
Religious minorities and rights for religious freedom 02 December 2011 Statement: public statement Commission on International Affairs We, the participants of the International Study Consultation on Freedom of Religion and the Rights of Religious Minorities - drawn from churches, church related organisations, academia, civil society and human rights organisations and the legal profession in 23 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Americas and Europe - met in Istanbul, Turkey as part of an international study consultation organised by the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs of the World Council of Churches. The Consultation analysed the situations of rights of religious minorities and freedom of religion in various contexts.
Communiqué of the JWG Plenary Meeting 2011 05 November 2011 Statement: public statement Joint Working Group The island of Malta located in the Mediterranean Sea between Italy and the shores of Tunisia and Libya was the setting for the last plenary meeting of the Joint Working Group between the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) and the World Council of Churches (WCC) before the forthcoming WCC assembly in 2013 in Busan (Korea). Malta has been at the crossroads of Europe, Northern Africa and the Middle East throughout its history.
Report of the Echos Youth Commission 31 October 2011 Report Echos - Commission on youth in the ecumenical movement The Echos Commission on Youth in the Ecumenical Movement met in October 2011 in Adma, Lebanon, to evaluate its work and mandate since it was first constituted after the last WCC assembly in Porto Alegre, 2006, as a consultative body of young people from a broad cross-section of the ecumenical movement.
One Baptism: Towards Mutual Recognition 25 June 2011 Study document Commission on Faith and Order One Baptism: Towards Mutual Recognition is an official study text of the Commission on Faith and Order. It is a further development and explication of the insights of Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry. It links questions of Christian initiation with ecclesiology, mutual recognition of baptism, and the basic bonds of Christian unity. The study text also deals with ongoing and more recent issues that prevent mutual recognition of baptism that impede the visible unity of the Church in one faith and in one eucharistic fellowship.
2012 Worship and background material 23 March 2011 Liturgical text Commission on Faith and Order Annual brochure for the Week of prayer for Christian unity jointly prepared and published by the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity and the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches.
Social Justice and Common Goods - Policy Paper 22 March 2011 Policy document Commission on International Affairs Policy Paper by the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs, Working Group on Social Justice and Common Goods.
Communiqué of the JWG Plenary Meeting 2010 in Saidnaya, Syria 07 October 2010 S Joint Working Group The Joint Working Group (JWG) is the instrument that monitors and promotes collaboration between the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) and the World Council of Churches (WCC). The group, hosted by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East, met in the St. Christophoros Patriarchal Monastery in Saidnaya, Syria, from 26 September to 20 October 2010.
Origins and present basis of the WCC (Constantine B. Scouteris) 01 June 2010 Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
UNAW Report 2009 Annex III: Prayer Resources 14 May 2010 Liturgical text Commission on International Affairs United Nations Advocacy Week Opening Prayer, Monday Morning Prayer: Climate Displaced Peoples, Tuesday Morning Prayer: Indigenous Peoples Rights, Wednesday Morning Prayer: Colombia, Thursday Morning Prayer, Closing Prayer
UNAW Report 2009 Annex II: Speaker Presentations, Section B 14 May 2010 Report Commission on International Affairs Climate Displaced Peoples Session, Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Session, Colombia Session, Closing Keynote: theologian and activist
UNAW Report 2009 Annex II: Speaker Presentations, Section A 14 May 2010 Report Commission on International Affairs Keynote II: Charge and Challenge to the Churches the Churches; Thematic Priority I: Climate Displaced Peoples.
UNAW Report 2009 Annex I 14 May 2010 Report Commission on International Affairs United Nations Advocacy Week Planning Team; Schedule-at-a-Glance; Annotated Agenda; Programmatic Document; Speaker Biographies; Participant Analysis; Participants Info List; Participant Evaluations
Report: Churches Together to Transform the World 14 May 2010 Report Commission on International Affairs The CCIA convened its 5th United Nations Advocacy Week (UNAW) on 15-20 November 2009 in New York City.
2011 Worship and background material 17 March 2010 Liturgical text Commission on Faith and Order Annual brochure for the Week of prayer for Christian unity jointly prepared and published by the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity and the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches.
Message from the ECHOS meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 24-29 January 2010 29 January 2010 M Echos - Commission on youth in the ecumenical movement Message from the 24-29 January meeting of ECHOS - the Commission on youth in the ecumenical movement, which took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
New Valamo Meeting 01 January 2010 S Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
The Nature and Mission of the Church - Presentation by Rev. Prof. Viorel Ionita 13 October 2009 Study document Commission on Faith and Order The Porto Alegre statement «Called to be the One Church», with all the reactions from the churches to it, should be used to help Faith and Order Commission develop The Nature and Mission of the Church into a common statement, proposes the Very Rev. Prof. Dr Viorel Ionita in his contribution to the discussion on the future of the study "The Nature and Mission of the Church".
The Nature and Mission of the Church - Presentation by Rev. Dr Paul Collins 13 October 2009 L Commission on Faith and Order The development of a method which explores the inter-play between different ways of constructing doctrine could be used to seek a resolution of Church-dividing issues, proposes Rev. Dr Paul Collins in his contribution to the discussion on the future of the study "The Nature and Mission of the Church".
The Nature and Mission of the Church - Presentation by Rev. Dr Hermen Shastri 13 October 2009 L Commission on Faith and Order Consensus on ecclesiology is central to the future of theological ecumenism, says Rev. Dr Hermen Shastri in his contribution to the discussion on the future of the study "The Nature and Mission of the Church".
The Nature and Mission of the Church - Presentation by Metropolitan Geevarghese Coorilos 13 October 2009 Commission on Faith and Order The NMC document is appreciated for its philosophical imagination, but it needs to be complimented with sociological and poetic imaginations where the text (the Word) takes on flesh and enters the realm of the pain and pathos that the poor and their earth endure, argues Metropolitan Geevarghese Coorilos.
The Nature and Mission of the Church - Presentation by Fr Jorge A. Scampini 13 October 2009 L Commission on Faith and Order Fr Jorge A. Scampini emphasizes that theological reflection on the church only becomes meaningful if it leads to a renew of church life, to a widened horizon of the church's mission, and to a contribution of all church activities to making the mystery of its Lord more visible in the eyes of the world.
Tradition and traditions - Rev. Dr Susan Durber 10 October 2009 L Commission on Faith and Order "The teachers and witnesses of the early Church: a common source of authority, variously received? Introduction and report from a co-moderator" is the title of this brief presentation on Tradition and traditions by the Rev. Susan Durber.
Tradition and traditions - Archimandrite Cyril Hovorun 10 October 2009 L Commission on Faith and Order "Teachers and Witnesses of the Church: space for ecumenical convergence" is the title of this brief presentation on Tradition and traditions by Archimandrite Dr Cyril Hovorun.
Called to be the One Church - Presentation by Prof. Maake Masango 09 October 2009 L Commission on Faith and Order Prof. Maake J. Masango addresses the main theme of the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting, Called to be the One Church, as a witness of the union of Presbyterian Churches in the context of apartheid.
Called to be the One Church - Presentation by Metropolitan Gennadios of Sassima 09 October 2009 Commission on Faith and Order
Called to be the One Church - Presentation by Sister Maria Ko Ha Fong 09 October 2009 L Commission on Faith and Order Sister Maria Ko Ha Fong addresses the main theme of the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting, Called to be the One Church, from an intercultural perspective.
Called to be the One Church - Presentation by Rev. Dr Marianela de la Paz Cot 09 October 2009 L Commission on Faith and Order Rev. Dr Marianela de la Paz Cot addresses the main theme of the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting, Called to be the One Church, from the perspective of a medical doctor and an Episcopal theologian from Cuba.
Called to be the One Church - Presentation by Dr Minna Hietamäki 09 October 2009 Lecture - Speech Commission on Faith and Order Dr Minna Hietamäki addresses the main theme of the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting, Called to be the One Church, from the perspective of a younger Lutheran theologian from Finland.
Report of the 2009 plenary commission meeting 09 October 2009 Report Commission on Faith and Order In the spirit of the 2006 WCC Assembly's statement on ecclesiology, «Called to be the One Church», the 120 members of the Commission on Faith and Order, along with 37 guests, consultants and younger theologians gathered on the island of Crete in Greece, 7-13 October 2009.
A view from the past 09 October 2009 L Commission on Faith and Order WCC president from Europe Dr Mary Tanner encourages participants at the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting to engage in what she affirms could be the beginning of a new phase in Faith and Order's history.
Moderator's report 09 October 2009 R Commission on Faith and Order Report by the Faith and Order Plenary Commission moderator Metropolitan Vasilios of Constantias-Ammochostos.
Director's report 09 October 2009 R Commission on Faith and Order Report of the WCC director of Faith and Order Canon Dr John Gibaut
What is Faith and Order? (Mary Tanner) 11 August 2009 B Commission on Faith and Order Tanner discusses Faith and Order as a movement, as a Commission, as an agenda, as a method, and as a commitment to the future.
Turkey - Appeal to commute the death sentence of Abdullah Ocalan 02 July 2009 S Commission on International Affairs
Report of the March 2009 CCIA meeting 19 June 2009 R Commission on International Affairs The second meeting of the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs (CCIA), following the 2006 Porto Alegre Assembly took place in Cuba from 15-20 March 2009.
2010 Worship and background material 18 March 2009 Liturgical text Commission on Faith and Order You are witnesses of these things. Luke 24 : 48 (NRSV)
CWME/F&O consultation on mission and ecclesiology 07 March 2009 Statement: public statement Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Communique from a joint consultation on mission and ecclesiology of the Commission on World Mission and Evangelism (CWME) and the Commission on Faith and Order (F&O).
UNAW Report 2008 Annex IV: Prayer resources 23 January 2009 Liturgical text Commission on International Affairs Climate change Commission of the Churches on International Affairs (CCIA) Human rights Migration Public witness: addressing power, affirming peace United Nations
UNAW Report 2008 Annex III 23 January 2009 Report Commission on Faith and Order United Nations Advocacy Week 2008 speaker presentations: Migration, WCC UN reception address: Nicaraguan ambassador H.E. Maria Rubiales de Chamorro, UNAW closing high-level address: Assistant Secretary-General Dr Robert Or
UNAW Report 2008 Annex II 23 January 2009 Report Commission on International Affairs United Nations Advocacy Week 2008 speaker presentations: Our Common Strategic Global Ecumenical Advocacy, Public Witness Advocacy, Human Rights, Climate Change
UNAW Report 2008 Annex I 23 January 2009 Report Commission on International Affairs United Nations Advocacy Week 2008 planning team, additions to UNAW 2008, agenda, speaker biographies, participant analysis, participant list, participants evaluation.
UNAW 2008 Report 23 January 2009 Report Commission on International Affairs The United Nations Advocacy Week 2008 Report is a reminder of what was discussed and experienced at the UNAW and one of the key instruments to be used in local and global advocacy work.
Report on the 2nd meeting of the Continuation Committee 17 January 2009 R Continuation Committee on Ecumenism in the 21st Century
Many ways to Christian unity? The Ninth Forum on Bilateral Dialogues, 2008 01 December 2008 Commission on Faith and Order Bilateral dialogues are official talks between two Christian churches or families of churches (often known as Christian World Communions, CWCs). They aim at overcoming inherited divergences often related to doctrine and church order, so that the two partners in dialogue may move to declaring that they are in fellowship. The proliferation of bilateral dialogues as from the 1960s has led to the creation of the Forum on Bilateral Dialogues. The Forum provides space and time for CWCs engaged in bilateral dialogues to exchange information, consult together on emerging issues and trends and reflect on the coherence and integrity of the dialogues. The ninth such forum was held in Breklum, Germany, 10-15 March 2008.
Voices of Youth: Stronger and Better Heard 09 October 2008 M Echos - Commission on youth in the ecumenical movement Members of ECHOS, the World Council of Churches (WCC) commission on Youth, met in Bangalore, India 1-10 October 2008. The 25 members of ECHOS represent a variety of WCC consultative commissions, Central and Executive Committee, the Catholic and Pentecostal Youth and Students Networks as well as regional and global youth organizations, like the World Students Christian Federation (WSCF). Their goal is to facilitate more coherent youth participation within the WCC.
Cambridge report on Tradition and traditions 06 September 2008 R Commission on Faith and Order Twenty four participants gathered at Westminster College in Cambridge to engage in the first of a series of consultations under the title of Tradition and traditions. The aim of the meeting was to build on the work begun by the WCC in the 1960s and, by paying particular attention to the teachers and witnesses of the early church, to explore further the possibility of discovering, re-discovering or re-receiving some particular sources of authority which might help us together on the way to the unity of the church.
UNAW 2007 Report 01 January 2008 Report Commission on International Affairs For the United Nations Advocacy Week 2007, the WCC chose to emphasize four themes, a primary focus on the Greater Horn of Africa; water, nuclear disarmament and the Middle East, with an emphasis on Palestine and Israel.
2009 Worship and background material 01 January 2008 Liturgical text Commission on Faith and Order Jointly prepared and published by the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity and the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2009 is rooted in the experience of the churches in Korea. In their context of national division the churches have turned for inspiration to the prophet Ezekiel, who also lived in a tragically divided nation and longed for the unity of his people.
A theological reflection on cruelty - the ugly face of violence 01 January 2008 Commission on Faith and Order Exploring responses in faith to institutionally and structurally embedded cruelty was the purpose of the theological consultation on cruelty that took place in Puidoux, Switzerland during December 5-8, 2006. Organized by the WCC and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), this gathering focused on cultures, traditions as well as social, economical and political structures that are themselves cruel, as well as creating an ethos that "enables" people to become cruel. Twelve case studies from different contexts and perspectives provided the basis for the debate. Some of these are about racism, casteism, patriarchy, xenophobia, terrorism and counter-terrorism, torture of prisoners, genocide, rape and sex trafficking, and occupation. Papers from this consultation will be published in 2008.
Worship and background material 01 January 2008 Liturgical text Commission on Faith and Order Jointly prepared and published by the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity and the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches. This year's theme for the week of prayer was chosen in the USA. The initial draft of material represents the working relationship between the Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute, the NCCCUSA, the USCCB and the Interchurch Center in their annual efforts in the United States to promote the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. All those involved have taken special note of the 100th anniversary of the Church Unity Octave first observed at Graymoor, in Garrison, New York, from 18-25 January 1908. The preparation of the theme and texts celebrate the history of 100 years of prayer while calling for a reinvigoration of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, hence the theme, ‘Pray without ceasing'.
08 Prayers 01 January 2008 L Joint Working Group Prayers for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2008
From Reconfiguration to Ecumenism in the 21st Century 20 November 2007 Lecture - Speech Continuation Committee on Ecumenism in the 21st Century Rev. Dr Robina Marie Winbush, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Six central questions for the future work of the committee 20 November 2007 L Continuation Committee on Ecumenism in the 21st Century
Report on the first meeting of the Continuation Committee 20 November 2007 R Continuation Committee on Ecumenism in the 21st Century
Ecumenism in the 21st century: Theses for discussion 20 November 2007 L Continuation Committee on Ecumenism in the 21st Century
Papers for and a report on the first meeting of the committee held 18-20 November 20 November 2007 R Continuation Committee on Ecumenism in the 21st Century
Report of the first Echos meeting 09 May 2007 R Echos - Commission on youth in the ecumenical movement Report of the first Echos meeting, May 2007.
Frequently asked questions about the date of Easter 31 January 2007 A Commission on Faith and Order In 2007 Christians from all traditions will celebrate Easter on the same day, April 8. But in many years major Christian traditions celebrate Easter on different dates, thus giving the impression of a divided witness to this fundamental aspect of the Christian faith. In recent years the desire to find a common date for the celebration of Easter, the Holy Pascha, the feast of Christ's resurrection, has become more and urgent. Initiatives by the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches have urged churches to address this issue. This page seeks to provide some answers to frequent questions asked about the date of Easter.
Prayers for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 01 January 2007 Liturgical text Joint Working Group
2007 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity material 01 January 2007 L Joint Working Group
"Week of Impunity" in the Middle East 14 December 2006 Statement: public statement Commission on International Affairs WCC calls international attention to situation in the Middle East
North Korean government's test of a nuclear device 27 November 2006 Statement: letter Commission on International Affairs Letter to the WCC member churches, regional ecumenical organizations, national councils of churches and CCIA Commission
Fr Boulos Iskander 17 October 2006 P Commission on International Affairs
Condolences on death of Fr Boulos Iskander 17 October 2006 T Commission on International Affairs
Called to be the One Church (The Porto Alegre Ecclesiology Text) 23 February 2006 Study document Commission on Faith and Order Called to be the One Church (The Porto Alegre Ecclesiology Text) This concise text (about 2,300 words) was adopted by WCC member churches at the Porto Alegre Assembly (February, 2006) as a basis for their renewed commitment to the search for visible unity. It invites the churches into a renewed conversation - mutually supportive, yet open and searching - about the quality of their fellowship and communion, and about the issues which still divide them. WCC member churches are asked to respond officially to the text by the next WCC Assembly; study groups and individuals are also invited to offer comments and reactions.
Initiative for a resolution to move forward on nuclear disarmament 08 February 2006 Statement: letter Commission on International Affairs Letter to Ambassador Rosemary Banks, Permanent Mission of New Zealand to the United Nations
Congratulations on presidential election 20 January 2006 S Commission on International Affairs
2006 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity material 01 January 2006 L Joint Working Group
Participating in God's Mission of Reconciliation - A Resource for Churches in Situations of Conflict 31 December 2005 Commission on Faith and Order This text (Faith and Order Paper no. 201) results from the study on Ethnic Identity, National Identity, and the Search for the Unity of the Church done by Faith and Order with the collaboration of the WCC's Justice, Peace and Creation team. It offers resources for churches in situations of tension or conflict, especially where ethnic and national tensions are major factors, and suggests how Christian unity can further the churches' witness for reconciliation and justice.
Reiteration of concern at declarations by Iranian President 22 December 2005 S Commission on International Affairs
The Nature and Mission of the Church - A Stage on the Way to a Common Statement 15 December 2005 Commission on Faith and Order This extended text (about 18,000 words) was published in December 2005 and is the latest result from Faith and Order's study on Ecclesiology. It seeks to express common convictions about the church, its nature and mission, and to identify the ecclesiological issues which continue to divide the churches today. The text has been sent officially to the churches for evaluation and response; study groups and individuals are also invited to offer comments and reactions. This text replaces the previous study document The Nature and Purpose of the Church (Faith and Order Paper no. 181, issued in 1998).
Call for the Release of Peace Workers in Iraq 05 December 2005 S Commission on International Affairs
Reflections on the Joint Working Group between the Roman Catholic Church and the WCC (1965-2005) 21 November 2005 B Joint Working Group
Towards the renewal of ecumenism in the 21st century 18 November 2005 L Joint Working Group
The ecumenical movement in the 21st century 18 November 2005 L Joint Working Group
Challenges facing the Roman Catholic Church-WCC collaboration 18 November 2005 L Joint Working Group
A meditation by Bishop Jonas Jonson 17 November 2005 S Joint Working Group
Call for Solidarity and Action: If one member suffers, all suffer together 10 November 2005 Statement: letter Commission on International Affairs Open letter by the CCIA director on political upheaval following the contested Ethiopian election of 15 May 2005
Security for refugees and asylum seekers 28 October 2005 S Commission on International Affairs
Award of 2005 Nobel Peace Prize 07 October 2005 S Commission on International Affairs
Theological Consultation on the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme 28 September 2005 L Commission on International Affairs
Background Information to Evaluate the Gaza Pullout 22 August 2005 B Commission on International Affairs
Celebrations of the Eucharist in Ecumenical Contexts - A Proposal 21 June 2005 S Commission on Faith and Order In this unofficial text a number of liturgists, theologians and pastors propose, on their own initiative and responsibility, guidelines for those engaged in planning eucharistic worship to be held in an ecumenical context. The text was produced by a working group at a consultation held by Faith and Order and the Ecumenical Institute, Bossey to reflect on the churches' 10 years experience in using the unofficial "Lima Liturgy".
An appeal on the crisis in Ethiopia 10 June 2005 S Commission on International Affairs
Realizing mutuality and interdependence in a world of diverse identities 01 June 2005 Commission on Faith and Order A group of 20 theologians and peace activists from regions which have come to be known for violent conflict arising from the aggressive assertion of identities - Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Philippines, DR Congo, Nigeria, Middle East, Eastern Europe - participated in this consultation in June 2005. They attempted to identify the problems in, and prospects for, realizing mutuality and interdependence in contexts of diverse identities in an effort to challenge the churches to consider this as a contribution to the wider movement for peace during the Decade Overcome Violence.
Affirming human dignity, rights of peoples and the integrity of creation - Rwanda, 2004 01 June 2005 Commission on Faith and Order As part of the WCC's work on the Decade , this theological consultation, organized by WCC Faith and Order in Kigali, Rwanda (4-9 December 2004), was an attempt to discern what human dignity, rights of peoples and the integrity of creation mean for churches and the ecumenical movement as they attempt to counter the reality of massive abuse and destruction of life and its legitimization in the world today. It was also an attempt to do theology informed by the perspectives and experiences of the victims of violence.
Open Letter on the Status of Jerusalem 31 March 2005 S Commission on International Affairs Expressing alarm about new political developments which adversely affect the status of Jerusalem, the director of the WCC's Commission of the Churches on International Affairs issued an open letter reiterating the position of its member churches and calling for "an open and inclusive Jerusalem, a city of shared sovereignty and citizenship, a city of two peoples and three faiths, of Christians, Muslims and Jews".
The WCC concern for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation 12 March 2005 Lecture - Speech Commission on International Affairs Presentation by Peter Weiderud, Director, CCIA, at the Advocacy Days of the churches in the United States, Washington D.C.
Seminar on UN Reform and Civil Society, Stockholm, Sweden 15 January 2005 L Commission on International Affairs
Reflections on the international use of power by the United States government 01 January 2005 Commission on Faith and Order This paper was prepared in response to the US DOV Committee's invitation to members of US churches to select one of the four themes of the Decade and to reflect on it.
Christian Perspectives on Theological Anthropology 01 January 2005 Commission on Faith and Order This text, resulting from the Faith and Order study on Theological Anthropology, explores contemporary challenges to the traditional understanding of humanity as "made in the image of God". It concludes with 10 Common Affirmations as a basis for the churches common reflection - and action - wherever human value and dignity is challenged.
Eighth report of the Joint Working Group 01 January 2005 Report Joint Working Group This report outlines the activities of the Joint Working Group between the Roman Catholic Church and the World Council of Churches during the years 1999-2005 and includes three completed study documents, as well as some themes pursued and issues addressed.
05 Worship 01 January 2005 L Joint Working Group
Condolences on the death of President Yasser Arafat 11 November 2004 T Commission on International Affairs
Expression of concern on arbitrary arrest of executive director of People's 12 October 2004 S Commission on International Affairs
Appeal for peace and reconciliation in the Korean peninsula 10 September 2004 S Commission on International Affairs
Appeal for security and human rights of the director of the Justice and Life 27 August 2004 S Commission on International Affairs
Expression of sympathy for the victims of Hurricane Charley 26 August 2004 S Commission on International Affairs
Expression of concern on infringements of freedom of expression 06 August 2004 S Commission on International Affairs
Message to the churches 06 August 2004 Message Commission on Faith and Order Meeting of the Faith and Order Plenary Commission, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2004
Message from the Younger Theologians 06 August 2004 Message Commission on Faith and Order Meeting of the Faith and Order Plenary Commission, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2004
Inter-religious dialogue 05 August 2004 Lecture - Speech Commission on Faith and Order Presentation at the Faith and Order Plenary 2004, by the Rev. Dr Jacob Kurien, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church
Inter-religious dialogue 05 August 2004 Lecture - Speech Commission on Faith and Order Presentation at the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting 2004, by Rev. Prof. S. Mark Heim, American Baptist Churches in the USA
Presentation on Theological Anthropology Study 03 August 2004 Lecture - Speech Commission on Faith and Order At the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting, 28 July - 6 August 2004, by Rev. Dr William Tabbernee, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States
Presentation of Hermeneutics study 03 August 2004 Lecture - Speech Commission on Faith and Order At the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting 2004, by Dr Pablo Andiñach, Evangelical Methodist Church of Argentina
Presentation on ethnicity nationalism & unity study 02 August 2004 Lecture - Speech Commission on Faith and Order At the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting 2004, by Dr Catrin Williams, Presbyterian Church in Wales
Sub-theme III: Ethnic identity, national identity & the search for the unity of the church 02 August 2004 Lecture - Speech Commission on Faith and Order Presented at the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting 2004, by Archbishop Dr Makarios of Kenya and Irinoupolis, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria
Bible study: One body with many members 31 July 2004 Sermon Commission on Faith and Order Bible study on 1 Corinthians 12,12-14, at the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting 2004 by Prof. Kyung Sook LEE (Methodist Church), Korea
Presentation on Ecclesiology study 31 July 2004 Lecture - Speech Commission on Faith and Order At the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting 2004, by Bishop John Hind, Church of England
Presentation on Ecclesiology study 31 July 2004 Lecture - Speech Commission on Faith and Order At the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting 2004, by Metropolitan Prof. Dr Gennadios of Sassima, Ecumenical Patriarchate
Sub-theme II: Ecclesiology 31 July 2004 Lecture - Speech Commission on Faith and Order Presented at the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting 2004, by the Rev. Prof. Dr Anne Marie Reijnen, United Protestant Church in Belgium
Presentation on Baptism Study 30 July 2004 Lecture - Speech Commission on Faith and Order At the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting 2004, by the Rev. Neville CALLAM (Jamaica Baptist Union), Jamaica
Sub-theme I: Baptism 30 July 2004 Lecture - Speech Commission on Faith and Order Presented at the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting 2004, by Fr Jorge A. SCAMPINI, OP, Roman Catholic Church
Theme paper, theological 29 July 2004 Lecture - Speech Commission on Faith and Order Presented at the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting, 2004, by Fr Frans Bouwen, commission member, Roman Catholic Church
Theme paper, biblical 29 July 2004 Lecture - Speech Commission on Faith and Order Presented at the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting, 2004, by the Rev. Dr Judith McKinlay, commission member, Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand
Director's report 28 July 2004 Report Commission on Faith and Order Rev. Dr Alan Falconer, former F&O director (Church of Scotland), Scotland
Moderator's report 28 July 2004 Lecture - Speech Commission on Faith and Order Report by moderator Rev. Dr David K. Yemba, (United Methodist Church), Zimbabwe, to the Faith and Order Commission
"Jésus nous accueille" 01 July 2004 Liturgical song - music Commission on Faith and Order A song inspired by the theme of the Kuala Lumpur meeting (Romans 15:7), composed by Christian Glardon, a Swiss Reformed pastor.
Expression of concern on arrest of church leaders 14 June 2004 S Commission on International Affairs
Interrogating and Redefining Power - A theological consultation 01 May 2004 Commission on Faith and Order If violence is an exercise of power over the powerless or a retaliation to such, what makes power prone to abuse? Why do people not only fear but also aspire for sources of violent power? Why do some religious traditions view violence as a divine attribute? How is power understood and exercised within our churches? What biblical and theological resources do we have to offer in the search for responsible new ways of understanding and exercising power? Interrogating and redefining power is crucial to our attempts to overcome violence.
Question of Religious Intolerance: Pakistan, Indonesia 23 April 2004 S Commission on International Affairs
Religion and Ethnicity: Gift from God or Source of Conflict? 16 April 2004 L Commission on International Affairs
Comments on the killing of Sheikh Ahmad Yassin 25 March 2004 S Commission on International Affairs
Letter to Madam Justice Louise Arbour on the occasion of her appointment 03 March 2004 M Commission on International Affairs
Interrogating and Redefining Power - Consultation of Younger Theologians from the South 01 February 2004 Commission on Faith and Order Taking place in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in February 2004, its purpose was to explore these theologians' distinct perspectives on power as people whose theology is shaped in contexts of intense struggles for life, justice and liberation.
Expression of concern on tensions in the Korean peninsula 15 January 2004 S Commission on International Affairs
Religious Plurality and Christian Self-Understanding 01 January 2004 S Commission on Faith and Order This unofficial text is the result of a unique collaboration among WCC Interreligious Relations, Mission and Evangelism, and Faith and Order staff, and their respective commissions or advisory bodies. It seeks a new approach to the difficult and controversial issues related to Christian self-understanding in a religiously plural world. The text, which is provisional as it has not been submitted to or adopted by any official WCC body, is shared here as a document for discussion and debate.
2004 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity material 01 January 2004 Joint Working Group
Prayer resources for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2004 01 January 2004 Liturgical text Commission on Faith and Order We wish to thank all those who have granted permission for the publication of the above prayers on the WCC web site. We have made every effort to trace and identify them correctly and to secure all the necessary permissions for publication.
Religious Freedom and Liberty in the Emerging Context 18 December 2003 S Commission on International Affairs
The collaboration of the WCC with International Governmental Institutions 22 November 2003 A Commission on International Affairs
Deteriorating law and order situation in Zimbabwe 27 October 2003 S Commission on International Affairs
Religious freedom and liberty in Eritrea 23 June 2003 S Commission on International Affairs
Expression of concern on rights of minority churches in Georgia 06 February 2003 S Commission on International Affairs
Appeal for peaceful resolution of confrontation in Venezuela 20 January 2003 S Commission on International Affairs
Appreciation of decision to commute the death sentence 17 January 2003 S Commission on International Affairs
2003 Worship and background material for the Week of Prayer 01 January 2003 Liturgical text Commission on Faith and Order The initial draft of this text was produced by an ecumenical group of biblical scholars, priests, pastors and lay persons in Argentina.
Liberia - Appeal for the release of human rights defender 22 November 2002 S Commission on International Affairs
Appeal on the occasion of the NATO Summit in Prague 14 November 2002 Statement: letter Commission on International Affairs Letter from the CCIA director Peter Weiderud to foreign ministers of the non-nuclear member states of NATO
Joint consultative group WCC-Pentecostals: Third Annual Meeting 13 November 2002 Report Joint Consultative Group Pentecostals - WCC The third annual meeting of the Joint Consultative Group, a discussion between members of the World Council of Churches and the global Pentecostal Movement was held in Kwang Lim Seminar House outside of Seoul, Korea, November 8-13, 2002. The group, established in Harare at the Eighth Assembly of the WCC, had met previously in France and in Ecuador. The theme for the week was the "Unity of the Church" and it was rooted in daily bible studies based upon the New Testament book of Ephesians.
Iraq - Appeal to church leaders in member states of the UN Security Council 24 October 2002 S Commission on International Affairs
Message of congratulation on the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) 07 October 2002 S Commission on International Affairs
Appeal to the Governments of India and Pakistan for normalization of relations with Pakistan 07 October 2002 S Commission on International Affairs
Sudan - Call for respect for the Machakos Protocol and revival of the peace process 07 October 2002 S Commission on International Affairs
Information release on the 7th International Consultation of United and Uniting Churches 23 September 2002 B Commission on Faith and Order This brief text gives general information on the united and uniting churches, their achievements and the special challenges which they face today, as well as background information on their 7th International Consultation.
Iraq - Appeal to the US Government 19 September 2002 Statement: letter Commission on International Affairs Letter to Ambassador Kevin Edward Moley, Permanent Mission of the USA to the UN in Geneva
Iraq - Appeal to the governments of China, France, Russia and the UK 19 September 2002 S Commission on International Affairs
Appeal to Iraq to respect the resolutions of the UN Security Council 19 September 2002 S Commission on International Affairs
Message from the 7th International Consultation of United and Uniting Churches, Driebergen, The Netherlands, 2002 19 September 2002 R Commission on Faith and Order This text is the report from the most recent international consultation of united and uniting churches. Focusing on issues of unity, mission and identity, this text brings the unique perspective and experience of these churches into dialogue with the wider ecumenical movement.
Consultation on mission in secularized and postmodern contexts 02 July 2002 Report Commission on World Mission and Evangelism "Believing without belonging? In search of new paradigms of church and mission in secularised and postmodern contexts"
Report of the XLV meeting of the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs 03 June 2002 R Commission on International Affairs
Message on the massacre in the church of Bellavista 10 May 2002 Pastoral letter Commission on International Affairs Letter to the churches of Colombia
Missiology Consultation, London 14 April 2002 Report Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Report from a missiology consultation, 14 - 19 April 2002
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict - Appeal for urgent action 15 March 2002 S Commission on International Affairs
2002 Worship 01 January 2002 L Joint Working Group
Statement on Israel's obligations as occupying power 05 December 2001 Statement: public statement Commission on International Affairs Issued by the CCIA on the occasion of the Conference of the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention.
Ecumenical Cooperation Forum with Colombia 25 September 2001 R Commission on International Affairs
Background paper submitted to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights 15 August 2001 Background document Commission on International Affairs The CCIA, against the background of more than fifty years of work against racism and its effects, notably through the WCC Program to Combat Racism, has submitted comments for consideration in the drafting of the Draft Declaration and Programme of Action.
Review of Developments pertaining to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms of Indigenous Peoples 27 July 2001 S Joint Working Group
United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects 16 July 2001 R Commission on International Affairs
Bangladesh - Expression of condolences after church bombing 12 June 2001 S Commission on International Affairs
Palestine - Message of condolences on the death of Faissal Husseini 06 June 2001 S Commission on International Affairs
Israel - Expression of condolences to victims of suicide bombing 06 June 2001 S Commission on International Affairs
Policy framework and guidelines on small arms and light weapons 18 May 2001 P Commission on International Affairs
Resolution on United Nations Relations 14 May 2001 P Commission on International Affairs
Report of the XLIV Meeting of the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs 14 May 2001 R Commission on International Affairs
The gift of a common calendar - vital to mission and witness in secular society 09 April 2001 A Commission on Faith and Order In early 2001, the WCC Public Information Team asked knowledgeable representatives of the Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Protestant traditions to give a brief outline of their thinking on a common date for Easter. Metropolitan Ambrosius of Oulu tells of the experiences of an Orthodox minority church in a Protestant country; in Finland "Orthodox and Lutherans have been experiencing the power of the Resurrection at the common date of Easter ever since the early 1920s".
Praying and working toward the common date of Easter: Bringing us closer to the imperative of Christian unity 09 April 2001 A Commission on Faith and Order In early 2001, the WCC Public Information Team asked knowledgeable representatives of the Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Protestant traditions to give a brief outline of their thinking on a common date for Easter. Metropolitan Bishoy of Damiette of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Egypt, contributed from the viewpoint of the Oriental Orthodox tradition.
Celebrating together Redemption in Christ 09 April 2001 A Commission on Faith and Order In early 2001, the WCC Public Information Team asked knowledgeable representatives of the Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Protestant traditions to give a brief outline of their thinking on a common date for Easter. Monsignor John A. Radano of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity wrote about "Catholic hopes of a common date for Easter".
Celebrating Easter Together 09 April 2001 Commission on Faith and Order In early 2001, the WCC Public Information Team asked knowledgeable representatives of the Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Protestant traditions to give a brief outline of their thinking on a common date for Easter. The series began with this article by the Rev. Dr Dagmar Heller, executive secretary for Mission and Ecumenical Relations in North Baden, Evangelical Church in Baden, Germany. As a WCC staff member with the "Faith and Order" team, she had been involved in organizing and accompanying the discussion process on a common date for Easter.
Argentina - Expression of appreciation for action to overcome impunity 29 March 2001 S Commission on International Affairs
Oral intervention on human rights violations in the occupied Arab territories 28 March 2001 S Commission on International Affairs The following is the full text of the intervention made on Wednesday, 28 March, to the 57th Session of the United Nations High Commission on Human Rights, meeting in Geneva, 19 March - 27 April 2001
Justice, Peace and People's Security in North East Asia 03 March 2001 Report Commission on International Affairs Report of the Ecumenical Consultation held in Kyoto, Japan, 26 February - 3 March 2001.
Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples 20 February 2001 S Commission on International Affairs
Biblical Reflections and Prayers for the Eight Days 01 January 2001 L Joint Working Group Those wishing to do bible studies on the week of prayer theme can use as a basis the biblical texts and reflections given in the "eight days". Each day the discussions can lead to a closing period of intercessory prayer.
Order of Worship 01 January 2001 L Joint Working Group At the centre of the worship service proposed for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2001 lies the theme for the week as chosen from John 14: 6: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life".
Ecumenical situation in Romania 01 January 2001 L Joint Working Group Thanks to the great arc of the Carpathian Mountains, the Danube and the Black Sea, Romania is easy to find on any map. Culturally speaking it lies at the cross-roads between eastern and western Europe. Ninety-nine percent of its population of just over 22 million people call themselves Christian. As regards other communities of faith, there are 9,000 Jews and 56,000 Muslims. A few thousand people declare themselves to be atheists or of no faith.
Nurturing Peace, Overcoming Violence: In the way of Christ for the sake of the World 01 January 2001 Commission on Faith and Order This text is an invitation to a process of theological study and reflection on Peace, Justice and Reconciliation to be pursued during the Decade to Overcome Violence: Churches Seeking Peace and Reconciliation 2001-2010. It forms a basis for Faith and Order's theological reflection on peace and issues of violence.
Call for investigation into abuses of human rights of migrants in the countries of the Persian Gulf 24 November 2000 S Commission on International Affairs
Argentina - Follow-up to the appeal on behalf of the "Prisoners of La Tablada" 13 November 2000 S Commission on International Affairs
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict - Sharing the land, the truth and the peace 17 October 2000 Statement: public statement Commission on International Affairs Written submission by the CCIA to the Fifth Special Session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights devoted to grave and massive violations of the human rights of the Palestinian people by Israel
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict - In Pursuit of Lasting Peace with Justice 17 October 2000 R Commission on International Affairs
Report of Sub-committee III 24 August 2000 R Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
Report of sub-committee II 03 August 2000 R Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
Appendix I, Report of sub-committee II 03 August 2000 R Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
Theological issues (Vasilios (Karayiannis)) 01 August 2000 B Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
Doctrinal, social and ethical issues (K.M. George) 01 August 2000 B Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
Doctrinal, social and ethical issues (Anna Marie Aagaard) 01 August 2000 B Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
Appendix IV, Report of Sub-committee II 01 August 2000 R Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
Appendix III, Report of sub-committee II 01 August 2000 R Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
Appendix II, Report of sub-committee II 01 August 2000 R Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
Argentina - Appeal on behalf of the "Prisoners of La Tablada" 07 July 2000 S Commission on International Affairs
Indonesia - Appeal for the restoration of law and order in the Malukus 27 June 2000 S Commission on International Affairs
Statement on the situation in Sri Lanka 09 May 2000 S Commission on International Affairs
Planned visit to Zimbabwe in view of forthcoming elections 09 May 2000 S Commission on International Affairs
CCIA granted General Consultative Status with ECOSOC 03 May 2000 B Commission on International Affairs
Puerto Rico - Appeal for protection of non-violent protesters on the Island of Vieques 02 May 2000 S Commission on International Affairs
Ecumenical dialogue 01 May 2000 B Joint Working Group
John Briggs on ecumenical context 2000 08 March 2000 B Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
Georges Tsetsis on "What type of WCC?" 08 March 2000 B Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
Eden Grace on Quaker business practice 08 March 2000 B Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
Damascus: report of sub-committee I 08 March 2000 R Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
Damascus: report of sub-committee IV 01 March 2000 R Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
Voitto Huotari on Met. Kirill's proposal 01 March 2000 B Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
Jean Fischer on preliminary Orthodox proposals 01 March 2000 B Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
Granberg-Michaelson on ecumenical vision 01 March 2000 B Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
Anne Glynn-Mackoul on Met. Kirill's proposals 01 March 2000 B Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
Report of the XLIII Meeting of the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs 22 January 2000 R Commission on International Affairs
Meeting of the Orthodox members of the WCC Special Commission 05 December 1999 R Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
Third panorthodox preconciliar conference 01 December 1999 R Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
Morges: Working agenda of the Special Commission 01 December 1999 B Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
Morges: Preliminary Orthodox proposals 01 December 1999 P Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
Morges goals and agenda 01 December 1999 B Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
Morges concluding communiqué 01 December 1999 M Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
Puerto Rico - Appeal for the cessation of US military exercises on the Island of Vieques 30 November 1999 S Commission on International Affairs
Indonesia - Protest of travel ban imposed on Central Committee member 03 September 1999 S Commission on International Affairs
Brazil - Expression of indignation at court decision to absolve officials charged with responsibility for the massacres of landless peasants 25 August 1999 S Commission on International Affairs
Chile - Expression of concern about police intervention in FASIC headquarters 26 May 1999 S Commission on International Affairs
Communication to religious leaders in Ethiopia 13 May 1999 S Commission on International Affairs
Palestine - Statement of support at the Bethlehem 2000 International Conference 19 February 1999 Lecture - Speech Commission on International Affairs Presentation by the Director of the CCIA to the conference convened at FAO headquarters by the UN Special Committee on Palestine, Rome, 18-19 February 1999.
Seventh report of the Joint Working Group 01 December 1998 Report Joint Working Group The report results from seven years' work by a dedicated group drawn from the World Council of Churches and the Roman Catholic Church. The character of the document is intentionally educational. The group believed that it would in this way best serve the interest of all who wish to know not only the Joint Working Group's agenda but the growing relationship of the WCC and the RCC within the broader perspective of the one ecumenical movement which the group has witnessed and in some measure assisted.
(Previous stage) The Nature and Purpose of the Church: A stage on the way to a common statement 01 November 1998 S Commission on Faith and Order This text, from the Faith and Order study on Ecclesiology, was issued as Faith and Order Paper no. 181 in 1998. Now superseded by The Nature and Mission of the Church, Faith and Order Paper no. 198, issued in 2005, it is included here to enable comparison of these two texts.
The Orthodox churches, the WCC, and the upcoming assembly 01 October 1998 B Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
Orthodox liturgical renewal 01 June 1998 R Commission on Faith and Order
Faith and Order on women's ordination 01 June 1998 B Commission on Faith and Order
Thessaloniki statement 01 May 1998 S Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
Damascus report 01 May 1998 R Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
Cultural factors in the encounter 18 March 1998 B Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
A Treasure in Earthen Vessels: An Instrument for an Ecumenical Reflection on Hermeneutics 01 January 1998 Study document Commission on Faith and Order This text (Faith and Order Paper No. 182) explores the complex but often creative field of hermeneutics - the interpretation of texts, symbols, and rites - and its role in the search for visible church unity. It invites us to reflect on how we approach and evaluate one another's language and symbols, as a contribution to mutual understanding among Christians and churches.
Towards a Common Date for Easter 10 March 1997 Study document Commission on Faith and Order In most years Protestant and Roman Catholic Christians celebrate Easter on one date, and Orthodox Christians on another (the year 2007, and again in 2011, will be an exception). This text, prepared by Faith and Order in collaboration with the Middle East Council of Churches, examines the reasons for this and offers a proposal for reckoning a common date of Easter.
Becoming a Christian: The Ecumenical Implications of Our Common Baptism 24 January 1997 R Commission on Faith and Order This is the report from the second consultation in Faith and Order's study programme on worship in relation to Christian unity. Mindful of the importance of the churches' "mutual recognition of baptism" as a basis of the ecumenical movement, the text explores the meaning and structure of the baptismal service, issues raised by the inculturation of baptism, and how baptism determines the nature and practice of Christian ethics.
Costly Unity 01 January 1997 R Commission on Faith and Order This text is the fruit of the joint study programme on Ecclesiology and Ethics conducted by Faith and Order and the WCC's Justice, Peace and Creation team. The results of meetings in Rønde, Denmark; Jerusalem, Israel; and Johannesburg, South Africa, they explore how the churches are called to be a community of ethical reflection - and engagement - in today's world.
Costly Obedience 01 January 1997 R Commission on Faith and Order This text is the fruit of the joint study programme on Ecclesiology and Ethics conducted by Faith and Order and the WCC's Justice, Peace and Creation team. The results of meetings in Rønde, Denmark; Jerusalem, Israel; and Johannesburg, South Africa, they explore how the churches are called to be a community of ethical reflection - and engagement - in today's world.
Costly Commitment 01 January 1997 R Commission on Faith and Order This text is the fruit of the joint study programme on Ecclesiology and Ethics conducted by Faith and Order and the WCC's Justice, Peace and Creation team. The results of meetings in Rønde, Denmark; Jerusalem, Israel; and Johannesburg, South Africa, they explore how the churches are called to be a community of ethical reflection - and engagement - in today's world.
Message from the Plenary Commission Meeting, Moshi, Tanzania, 1996 24 August 1996 M Commission on Faith and Order
Report from the Plenary Commision to the churches 24 August 1996 R Commission on Faith and Order
Towards Sharing the One Faith 01 January 1996 S Commission on Faith and Order Faith and Order's Apostolic Faith study explored the meaning of the Nicene Creed as a basis for the faith of Christians and the churches today. The present text is a study guide to the Nicene Creed and to the Apostolic Faith study itself.
What is Faith and Order? (Günther Gassmann) 11 August 1995 Commission on Faith and Order To explore his theme, the author combines a number of elements related to the history, purpose, methodology and content of the Faith and Order Movement and its organizational expression, the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches,
Rome and ecumenism 11 August 1995 B Commission on Faith and Order Rev. Fr Jean-Marie Tillard outlines with clarity and élan the history of, and the evolution of perspectives within, the Roman Catholic involvement in ecumenism.
Faith and Order agenda and the African region 11 August 1995 Article - News item Commission on Faith and Order David K. Yemba, current moderator of the Faith and Order Commission and Dean of the Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe, discusses the content and reception of Faith and Order work in Africa, and the effect of African churches on the ecumenical movement in general.
F&O: a perspective from the Caribbean 11 August 1995 B Commission on Faith and Order Rev. Callam of the Jamaica Baptist Union presents the development of Faith and Order and assesses the appeal and reception of Faith and Order texts in the "two-thirds world".
Faith and Order yesterday, today and tomorrow 11 August 1995 B Commission on Faith and Order Metropolitan John (Zizioulas) of Pergamon sets out the context of Faith and Order and proposes some particular challenges emanating from his perspective as a modern Orthodox scholar of church history and theology.
Message from the 6th International Consultation of United and Uniting Churches, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, 1995 01 March 1995 R Commission on Faith and Order This text is the report from the penultimate international consultation of united and uniting churches.
So We Believe, So We Pray: Towards Koinonia in Worship (The Ditchingham Letter and Report) 15 August 1994 Report Commission on Faith and Order The "Letter to the Churches" and report from the first consultation (held at Ditchingham, England) in Faith and Order's current study programme on worship in relation to Christian unity. Drawing on the resources of the liturgical renewal movement, and produced together with leading liturgists, this text focuses on the common structure of Christian worship, on issues of inculturation in worship, and on how, through worship, churches are already expressing their unity in Christ.
Ditchingham report (Faith and Order) 01 August 1994 S Commission on Faith and Order
Message from the Fifth World Conference on Faith and Order, 1993 14 August 1993 M Commission on Faith and Order The Fifth World Conference on Faith and Order took place at Santiago de Compostela, Spain, 3 - 14 August 1993, with its theme "Towards Koinonia in Faith, Life and Witness". A comprehensive Report of the Conference will be published towards the end of this year. We now publish the Message and the four Section Reports together with the Discussion Paper prepared for the Conference. The Message and Reports are the most tangible results of the World Conference. However, they represent only one important part of this gathering which was marked by common worship and prayer, Bible study, a great number of papers, plenary discussions, a statement by the younger theologians and the many personal encounters between the participants (about 400 in different categories).
Church and World: The Unity of the Church and the Renewal of Human Community 01 October 1992 Study document Commission on Faith and Order This text (Faith and Order Paper no. 151), the result of Faith and Order's study on The Unity of the Church and the Renewal of Human Community, explores the relation between the church's unity and its mission and prophetic witness in the world.
Aram I on conciliar fellowship 01 January 1992 Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC This text is a chapter in Conciliar Fellowship (Geneva: WCC 1992), by Aram Keshishian, now H.H. Catholicos Aram I of Cilicia. Grounded firmly in his knowledge of and experience with the WCC, and its Faith and Order Commission, Catholicos Aram unfolds his vision of conciliarity in terms of where the ecumenical movement is today, and where it ought ultimately to be headed.
Inter-Orthodox consultation after the Canberra assembly 16 September 1991 B Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
The Unity of the Church: Gift and Calling - The Canberra Statement 20 February 1991 S Commission on Faith and Order This text developed by Faith and Order is another of the "unity statements" adopted by WCC Assemblies over the years. It is one attempt to indicate the elements of "full communion" among churches.
Evangelical perspectives from Canberra 01 February 1991 B Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
Sixth report of the Joint Working Group 01 January 1990 Report Joint Working Group Reading this sixth report will in itself show the extent to which the productive relations between the WCC and the Roman Catholic Church have multiplied and developed.
Fifth report of the Joint Working Group 01 January 1983 Report Joint Working Group The Fourth Report, presented to the Fifth Assembly of the WCC in 1975, also looked ahead to what should and could be done. This Fifth Report is presented in the same spirit.
Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry (Faith and Order Paper no. 111, the "Lima Text") 15 January 1982 S Commission on Faith and Order This famous text, adopted by Faith and Order at its plenary commission meeting in Lima, Peru in 1982, explores the growing agreement - and remaining differences - in fundamental areas of the churches' faith and life. The most widely-distributed and studied ecumenical document, BEM has been a basis for many "mutual recognition" agreements among churches and remains a reference today.
The eucharistic liturgy of Lima 01 January 1982 L Commission on Faith and Order The Lima Liturgy is a Eucharistic (Holy Communion) service expressing, in one possible liturgical form, the ecclesiological convergence on the eucharist reached in the Faith and Order text Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry (BEM). It is so named because it was first used at the Faith and Order Plenary Commission meeting in Lima, Peru in 1982 - the meeting which approved BEM for transmission to the churches for official response.
Sofia consultation 31 May 1981 R Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC
Fourth report of the Joint Working Group 01 January 1975 Report Joint Working Group Both the Roman Catholic Church and the World Council of Churches are determined to continue their collaboration and to seek together ways to serve the ecumenical cause. Therefore, after ten years of com­mon experience, it is appropriate to ask anew the question how they can, together, best further the ecu­menical movement, How should the Roman Catholic Church and the World Council of Churches be related to one another? What areas require primary atten­tion? What kind of common structure should be adopted? The present report attempts to answer these questions and submits to the parent bodies a number of recommendations as to the next steps to be taken.
Third report of the Joint Working Group 01 January 1971 Report Joint Working Group The Joint Working Group is convinced that the work of the past five years has been worthwhile. At the same time a great many things remain to be done. The Lord's demand is clear: that they may be one in order that the world may believe" (John 17,21). As we face this demand we are keenly aware of how much we still fall short of giving to the world the sign of communion which should arouse its faith in the love of the Father who sends his Son to save us.
The World Council of Churches' Condemnation of Forced Evictions in 01 January 1970 S Commission on International Affairs
Second report of the Joint Working Group 01 January 1967 Report Joint Working Group The aim of the present document is to set out briefly the concrete results of the exchanges that have already taken place, and to indicate a vision of the future in which the Joint Working Group foresees the need for constantly more dynamic relations between the Roman Catholic Church and the World Council of Churches.
First report of the Joint Working Group 01 January 1966 Report Joint Working Group After several preliminary meetings between representatives of the Vatican Secretariat for Christian Unity and of the World Council of Churches, the mandate for the Joint Working Group was presented to and adopted by the Central Committee at its meeting in Nigeria in January 1965. It was thereafter also officially accepted by the authorities of the Roman Catholic Church. In working out this project, the Roman Catholic side was guided by the Decree on Ecumenism, promulgated at the end of the third session of the Vatican Council; while the representatives of the World Council of Churches based their approach on the main lines of several WCC documents that describe the nature and function of the World Council and on various statements made by the World Council on the contemporary ecumenical situation.