News
The new initiative is replacing—with a sense of continuity—the work of the WCC COVID-19 support team, a nine-member group of experts who helped open discussion of questions from WCC member churches on issues such as mental health, child rights, the human right to water, persons with disabilities, racism, HIV, and death and dying, among others.
The regional consultations, prepared in partnership with regional ecumenical organizations, are helping address the need for new theological approaches to the Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace. COVID-19 has put a spotlight on already existing injustices, including racism and economic inequities, but it has also changed the implementation of WCC’s mission and its common pilgrimage.
The regional consultations, which are being held online, are a response to the emerging priority of COVID-19 and to the encouragement from the WCC executive committee to have deeper reflection on the Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace in the context of COVID-19. Already, consultations have been held with the Africa and Europe regions.
Building on lessons learned from previous initiatives, the regional online consultations will provide opportunities for groups to explore further issues related to COVID-19 by reflecting theologically, engaging with experts, engaging with local community organizations and advocates for justice and peace, and creating action plans.
These public online events will be livestreamed on the WCC YouTube channel, and all webinars in the series will be archived.
WCC deputy general secretary Prof. Dr Isabel Apawo Phiri said that these consultations are a timely opportunity to consider the reality of COVID-19 across the world. “As we continue to share accurate information about COVID-19 response and vaccines, we also want to have a theological approach grounded in our ongoing Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace,” she said. “The injustices and gifts of human beings, irrespective of background or status, must be uppermost in the concerns of the WCC.”
The next regional consultation on the Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace in the context of COVID-19 will be organized by the WCC and fellowship in Latin America on 27 May.
WCC resources on the COVID-19 pandemic
Watch the recording of the European consultation
"In Africa, 'resilience of God’s people amidst adversity continues to amaze us'” - WCC news release 27 April 2021
