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The joint publication, “Called to Transformation – Ecumenical Diakonia,” available online from now on, offers resources to strengthen the diaconal capacity of the churches and to advance the cooperation with specialized ministries.
“Writing of this document was a recommendation of the Malawi consultation in September 2014, when churches and specialized ministries’ representatives from all the continents gathered to reflect on the work they are supposed to do together,” said
Prof. Dr Isabel Apawo Phiri, WCC deputy general secretary, presenting the publication.
Besides adding the geographic and confessional contexts of practicing diakonia, the study document also addresses the diaconal response to COVID-19 pandemic, including examples of diaconal ministry from every continent.
“With this publication, we now have a common understanding on diakonia - and that should take churches and their partners toward the next level of ecumenical cooperation in diakonia,” said Phiri, adding that after receiving the document in 2022, the WCC central committee has recommended that churches and specialized ministries all over the world use it.
The ecumenical diakonia document provides a solid base for discernment for churches and specialized ministries to address the complexity of issues humanity is facing today, said Rudelmar Bueno de Faria, ACT Alliance general secretary, at the presentation of the document.
For the ACT Alliance, the document provides the theological foundation for the humanitarian and development work, carried out by ACT members in all parts of the planet. “It not only helps churches to share ideas and lessons with each other, but also offers a prophetic perspective of being a church in challenging times”, said Bueno de Faria. “This is motivating the joint work of churches and church-related organizations to promote justice, inclusion, and solidarity.”
“In learning from each other, and in sharing, we can make a real difference to the lives of many people,” said Rev. Karin van den Broeke, chief programme officer of the Kerk in Actie (Netherlands), moderating the presentation of the ecumenical diakonia document on 9 June. Inviting everyone to discover the publication now available online, van den Broeke encouraged them to “move and act together on our pilgrimage of justice and peace in the world.”
The publication “Called to Transformation – Ecumenical Diakonia” is available online at www.oikoumene.org/ecumenical-diakonia.
Video presentation of the publication
WCC and ACT joint publication "Called to Transformation - Ecumenical Diakonia"
