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GEM School: a North Star of economic justice

On a recent morning walk right before dawn, I could still see the stars. I saw the Polaris Star, or North Star, which is the brightest star in its constellation. It reminded me of the Underground Railroad and the network of people in North America who led Black people from southern bondage to northern freedom by following the North Star.

25 September 2023

Rev. Dr Larry D. Pickens

Witnessing the mighty river flow

What an incredible time to be living in! While skepticism and eco-anxiety tend to be the results we most see nowadays as we grow aware of the dimensions of the climate crisis and the loss of biodiversity and the socio-environmental crisis, for me I can't help but feel the daring and stubborn Christian hope as I grow increasingly committed to ecumenical care for creation.

22 September 2023

Suzana Moreira

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 people’s 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.

06 September 2023

Doing local theology for ecological justice - a short story from Maluku

We call it Marafenfen, a small village in the South Aru Island. A small village inhabited by Indigenous people in Aru. We are also a small congregation in The Protestant Church in the Moluccas (GPM). In the midst of savannah we hunted, in the vastness of our land we cultivated. We live in harmony with the nature given by God.

24 August 2023

Rev. Agnes Souisa

First-ever Regional Ecumenical Theological Institute in Cairo was “a place where we were all connecting”

The World Council of Churches (WCC), in partnership with the Association of Theological Institutes and Faculties in the Middle East (ATIME) and the Middle East Council of Churches, held the first-ever Regional Ecumenical Theological Institute in Cairo under the theme “Respect for Creation is the Glorification of the Creator.”

18 August 2023

Faith communities respond to climate crisis in Indonesia

In crowded urban neighborhoods and drought-plagued rural villages, Indonesians from all religious backgrounds are putting their faith into action.

25 July 2023

Mister, why are you wearing robes?

The stories that imprint and accompany us the most are not necessarily the ones spoken most eloquently or from an orator’s elaborate formulations, but every so often those emanating out of the mouths of babes.

20 July 2023

V. Rev. Fr Hrant Tahanian

Prof. Dr Fabien Revol expresses appreciation for WCC collaboration on eco-theology

Prof. Dr Fabien Revol, chair of the Ecumenical and Francophone Society on the Theology of Ecology and professor of theology at the Catholic University of Lyon, reflects below on the launch of the book "Penser les relations écologiques en théologie à l'ère de l'Anthropocène" ("Reflecting on Ecological Relations in Theology in the Anthropocene Era”), which is the fruit of a 2021 Theology of Ecology seminar organized by the World Council of Churches (WCC) in partnership with the Francophone Society.

12 July 2023

Children deliver rallying cry to Summit for a New Global Financing Pact: “replace the existing colonial economic model”

Children who gathered prior and during the New Global Financial Pact, held 22-23 June in Paris, delivered a clear message to President Macron and world leaders: the existing colonial economic model must be replaced with one that prioritizes humanity over profits.

06 July 2023

Mariela Alejandra Pereyra speaks on behalf of the Latin America region

Taking action for a flourishing land: Latin American voices prioritize climate justice, Indigenous rights, gender equality

Seeking to join efforts with those committed to ensure a just and sustainable future for the continent, representatives from World Council of Churches (WCC) member churches in Latin America gathered at the WCC central committee in June to identify common concerns.

04 July 2023

Boy lays out the framework for the roof in circles

WCC reaffirms importance of diaconal service and mission

Rev. Matthew Ross, who served as WCC programme executive for Diakonia and Capacity Building from 2018-2023, reflects on how the document “Called to Transformation – Ecumenical Diakonia,” which he edited, is being received in ways that affirm the importance of diaconal service and mission.

04 July 2023

What a woman!

These words described the dreams of the kind of woman a young woman aspires to be, illustrated by moving images of women’s involvement in the history of the ecumenical movement. This performance poem was just part of an inspiring meeting of the women of the ecumenical movement that were present at the World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee meeting on 22 June.

23 June 2023

Empowering women and girls with disabilities: nurturing resilience and inclusion in the face of climate change

Burundi recently witnessed a significant event aimed at fostering inclusivity and addressing the impact of climate change on persons with disabilities. During the National Dialogue on Disability-Inclusive Climate Change Policies and Programs last week, the Friends Church in Burundi embarked on a mission to support and uplift women and girls with disabilities in Nyabihanga, Gitega Province.

15 June 2023

Patrick Watt, chief executive officer for Christian Aid.

Thursdays in Black ambassador Patrick Watt: “We aim to bring about wider societal change”

The World Council of Churches welcomes new Thursdays in Black ambassadors!

Our ongoing series of interviews with Thursdays in Black ambassadors highlights those who are playing a vital role in increasing the impact of our collective call for a world without rape and violence. Patrick Watt is chief executive officer for Christian Aid.

15 June 2023

FinnChurchAid-visits-WCC-by-IvarsKupcis-01May2023-08.jpg

Thursdays in Black ambassador Tomi Järvinen: “Faith is about belief but it’s also about action”

The World Council of Churches welcomes new Thursdays in Black ambassadors!

Our ongoing series of interviews with Thursdays in Black ambassadors highlights those who are playing a vital role in increasing the impact of our collective call for a world without rape and violence. Tomi Jarvinen is executive director of Finn Church Aid.

08 June 2023

“If your banks don’t care about climate change—ask them why”

Thirteen-year old Ellyanne Chlystun-Githae has a serious message for the adults in the world: “While you are worrying about whether you have enough money to retire, people my age are worried about surviving in a world that is rapidly warming.”

05 June 2023

People outside the chapel in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan

South Sudan Anglican Archbishop: We have sold our sorghum to aid fleeing Sudan refugees

In Renk, a small South Sudanese town on the banks of the White Nile, churches are working to help thousands of people fleeing the war in the neighbouring Sudan.

01 June 2023

A communal water tap in an informal settlement of Cape Town.

Water and social inequality: lessons learnt from “Day Zero”

Following three years of severe drought, in 2018 the City of Cape Town faced an unprecedented water crisis, known as “Day Zero.” Severe water restrictions were introduced to avoid Day Zero, the day in which the city would run out of water.

28 May 2023

Dr Rachel Mash