Nouvelle
The first of a series of 12 monthly Bible studies inspired by themes related to the Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace is now available online on the website of the World Council of Churches (WCC).
The Bible study series was initiated by members of the Theological Study Group of the pilgrimage and with support from WCC Publications.
The Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace is an initiative of the WCC member churches working together in a common quest, renewing the vocation of the church through collaborative engagement with the most important issues of justice and peace, healing a world filled with conflict, injustice and pain.
The Bible studies are meant for use by congregations and to contribute to the theological work on pilgrimage as a whole.
Twelve scholars, activists and theologians from different parts of the world have been invited to offer readings of select texts through the lens of the Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace and to develop resources that reflect on diverse examples of pilgrimage in the Bible; foster dialogue between the biblical contexts and contemporary contexts; address different aspects or stages of pilgrimage; and encourage readers to reflect and embark on their individual and community pilgrimages.
The first contribution to the series, entitled “Pilgrimage onto Already-Settled Land,” focuses on the text of Genesis 12:1-9 and was written by Rev. Dr Jione Havea, a native minister in the Methodist Church of Tonga and senior lecturer in Biblical Studies at United Theological College, Charles Sturt University, Australia.
Javea is also the editor of the remaining Bible studies, along with WCC staff.
The Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace is the focal point of the programmatic work of the WCC and a key component of it a theological study process.
A Theological Study Group (TSG) has been formed by the general secretary of the WCC to carry forward this process, with its primary mandate being development of a theological interpretation of the Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace. The TSG is moderated by Dr Susan Durber, who is also moderator of the Faith and Order commission of WCC.
