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Remembering Martial Law in the Philippines

Philippines delegation meets with WCC to discuss human rights

A delegation from the Philippines met with World Council of Churches (WCC) staff to discuss human rights and the role of churches.

19 October 2023

Man's hand seen shoveling olives into a plastic bucket.

With olive harvest about to begin, Palestinian farmers share a deep family tradition—and deep apprehension

With olive picking about to begin in earnest for Palestinian farmers, they are sharing joy in their deep tradition of the harvest—and deep apprehension about harassment and aggression that seems to have already set in.

05 October 2023

Publication

Book cover - red background, people lighting candles among HIV ribbons

Recommended Practices to Combat HIV-Related Stigma

A Guidebook for Local Faith Communities

David Barstow

Gracia Violeta Ross

Manoj Kurian

In Recommended Practices to Combat HIV-Related Stigma, the World Council of Churches presents experiences of local congregations responding to HIV stigma. HIV stigma remains a significant barrier to universal access to care and prevention services and continues to be a challenge for the world, demanding our engagement and action. The faith community, with its large networks, influence and leadership, is well-placed to end HIV stigma and discrimination. It is our responsibility to participate in the HIV response; it is our calling to care for the most vulnerable.

05 October 2023

Publication

Red book cover with people of faith lighting HIV memorial candles

Faith Sector Implementation of the Global AIDS Strategy

David Barstow

Gracia Violeta Ross

Manoj Kurian

The HIV epidemic continues to present a challenge for today’s world. The engagement and action of faith communities, in coordination with other actors, are crucial if we want to realize the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. How can the faith communities have sound and relevant responses to the current challenges of HIV? In Faith Sector Implementation of the Global AIDS Strategy, the authors summarize three global strategies on HIV and provide examples of interventions and actions for faith communities.

05 October 2023

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.

26 September 2023

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

A journey through advocacy, women's leadership, and the Korea peace appeal

The call for peace in Korea has resonated for decades, echoing across international borders and faith communities. Patti Talbot, who has served The United Church of Canada for nearly 30 years, sheds light on the enduring relevance of ecumenical advocacy efforts for peace in the Korean Peninsula. She shared insights into the importance of these efforts and their potential to change the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

25 September 2023

In Armenia, WCC general secretary speaks for justice

As World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay continues to lead a WCC delegation in Armenia, he answered key questions about what the team is witnessing on the ground.

22 September 2023

Looking for light at the end of the tunnel

My experience with Israel’s Interior Ministry began more than 25 years ago, whereby I have been seeking an ID card for my wife who hails from the West Bank. I am a Palestinian from East Jerusalem and I have an Israeli ID card—which gives me the status of a foreign resident in the city of my ancestors and where I was born.

21 September 2023

anonymous

Ecumenical accompaniers report growing violence against Palestinians

The latest group of ecumenical accompaniers from the World Council of Churches Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (WCC-EAPPI) have reported growing incidents of violence against Palestinians in the West Bank and Jerusalem.

21 September 2023

Palestine-2022-Hillert-20221121_AH2_3567

Give me my life, let me live

Christine, 23, is from the West Bank. She met a young man from Jerusalem when she was studying at one of the Palestinian universities in the West Bank. As their emotions towards each other grew by time and a sincere love flourished into their hearts, they decided to get engaged. At this point, they didn’t think of any barriers that might stand in front of them.

20 September 2023

Hana Zoughbi Kirreh

Photo essay

Ecumenical delegation visits Armenia

As the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate in the blockaded enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh), a World Council of Churches (WCC) delegation visited Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, headquarters of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

19 September 2023

A reflection on “No place to lay my head”

“Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” (Mt. 8: 20)

19 September 2023

Bishop William Shomali

Video interview: WCC “will be known by where it invests its moral and financial resources”

In a video interview with WCC news, Rev. Dr Liberato C. Bautista, assistant general secretary for United Nations and International Affairs, General Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church, reflects on the dynamics of the ecumenical movement between local and global realities and the role of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in international multilateral dialogue.

18 September 2023

Media advisory

Exhibition “Bethlehem Reborn – Palestine – The Wonders of the Nativity”

The exhibition “Bethlehem Reborn” tells a story that goes beyond the history of politics and art to reveal, through the restoration works of the Church of the Nativity, an overdue recognition of the outstanding universal value of Palestinian heritage to humanity.

08 September 2023

No peace without justice: Peacebuilding and human rights training equips young ecumenical leaders

With a focus on peacebuilding and human rights protection, The United Evangelical Mission’s International Summer School 2023, organized in cooperation with the World Council of Churches and other partners, took place in August and September in Hofgeismar, Germany.

08 September 2023

Church leaders in Pakistan call for international solidarity to bring justice

Church leaders in Pakistan are calling for international solidarity and for measures to ensure the safety and security of Christians in Pakistan. Their messages come in the wake of church burnings in the city of Jaranwala, in eastern Pakistan, where 24 churches have been burned, affecting at least 600 families.

18 August 2023

Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata: “Colombia is a deeply fragile but promising country”

Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, World Council of Churches (WCC) programme director for Public Witness and Diakonia, led a delegation that visited Colombia on 8-11 August to express solidarity with the Colombian churches, government and people as they collaborate in the design, implementation, and advocacy for the construction of peace in the country. Below, he shares his impressions of the visit.

15 August 2023