Displaying 1 - 20 of 150

Voice of churches vital during UN women’s rights talks

As the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) drew to a close, a look back shows that, this year, the World Council of Churches (WCC), through its Ecumenical Office to the United Nations, brought many voices to the table to speak on gender equality, women's rights, and empowerment. 

Religiöse Führungspersönlichkeiten setzen sich gemeinsam und in Solidarität mit Geflüchteten für Klimafrieden ein und geben der UN-Konferenz neue Impulse

Als religiöse Führungskräfte von rund 40 glaubensgeleiteten Organisationen aus der ganzen Welt während einer Zusammenkunft in Genf beschlossen, das individuelle Recht auf Asyl zu verteidigen, war dies ein Höhepunkt am Vorabend des Globalen Flüchtlingsforums, der weltweit größten Versammlung dieser Art. Die Teilnehmenden trafen sich am 12. Dezember auf einer eintägigen Veranstaltung beim Ökumenischen Rat der Kirchen (ÖRK) unter Vorsitz eines armenischen Erzbischofs und eines UN-Diplomatin, die früher einmal türkische Abgeordnete war.

Religious leaders uniting for climate peace in solidarity with refugees, boost UN conference

The moment religious leaders from around 40 faith-based organisations worldwide agreed to keep defending the individual right to seek asylum during a gathering in Geneva marked a high point on the eve of the Global Refugee Forum, the world's biggest such international gathering.They met at a one-day event on 12 December at the World Council of Churches (WCC), chaired by an Armenian archbishop and a UN diplomat who was once a Turkish legislator.

A Guide for Churches on the Prevention of Obstetric Fistula

WCC Human Rights programme

This guide aims to raise awareness in churches and church communities of the catastrophic condition of obstetric fistula—a childbirth injury usually caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without timely medical intervention. Obstetric fistula can have devastating physical, emotional, and economic consequences for women and can even result in permanent disability.

It introduces readers to obstetric fistula and explains why churches need to be concerned. It discusses how churches can help prevent the condition from occurring in the women in their congregations and local communities. It also offers practical and emotional support and encouragement to those who are suffering with obstetric fistula. Finally, this guide outlines the advocacy work being done and suggests some actions churches can take.

Available for download in English, Portuguese, and Malagasy.

At peace conference, WCC focuses on overcoming racism

Dr Masiiwa Ragies Gunda, World Council of Churches (WCC) programme executive on Overcoming Racism, Racial Discrimination, and Xenophobia, recently attended and spoke at a Church and Peace Conference in the Netherlands. Exploring the theme Overcoming Racism in the Church,” the conference drew nearly 100 people from 15 European and non-European countries. 

ACT Alliance general secretary: “equity is not negotiable”

As the 78th session of the UN General Assembly and the first-ever Climate Action Summit were held in New York City in September, ACT Alliance general secretary Rudelmar Bueno de Faria reflected on the importance of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the ecumenical movement in creating a more sustainable and equitable world.

Celebratory event discusses Black leaders’ contributions to WCC

A public online celebration and panel discussion on 31 August, They too were Gathered: Paying homage to Black peoples contributions to 75 years of World Council of Churches (WCC),” uncovered the contributions of Black people from different parts of the world in the formation and growth of the WCC.

Building Interreligious Solidarity in Our Wounded World

The Way of Common Formation

An online conference, “The Future of Interfaith Dialogue,” held  7-8 December 2021, discussed principles for common formation as a vital element for the future of interfaith dialogue. 

The purpose of this booklet is both to share some of the key insights and learnings from the conference and to prompt further interest in and discussion of common formation among a range of faith communities and interreligious organizations. Topics covered include; Transformational Formation: Five Fundamental Principles, Ten Practical Pointers for Initiatives of Common Formation, and a Directory of Groups and Organizations Offering Learning Opportunities in the Area of Common Formation.