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Ecumenism in the Philippines means hope and resilience

As the World Council of Churches celebrates its 75th anniversary, a series of feature stories from different regions of the world will portray ecumenism at the local level—within churches, communities, and individuals who embody the spirit of ecumenism in unique ways. The feature story below offers a glimpse of some facets of ecumenism present in the Philippines.

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.

Ökumenische Theologie in der Kapelle, im Hörsaal und im Büro: Odair Pedroso Mateus schaut auf seine Zeit beim ÖRK zurück

Pastor Dr. Odair Pedroso Mateus nahm seine Lehrtätigkeit am Ökumenischen Institut in Bossey im Jahre 2004 auf und gehört seit 2007 zum Ökumenischen Rat der Kirchen (ÖRK). Eine Zeit lang übernahm er die Aufgabe des kommissarischen stellvertretenden Generalsekretärs des ÖRK und leitete die Kommission für Glauben und Kirchenverfassung. In unserem Gespräch berichtet er über seine liebsten Erinnerungen, seine Erfolge und seine Hoffnungen.

In Chile, “Churches’ ministry of reconciliation is key”

Bishop Izani Bruch, from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chile, serves as the Evangelical chaplain of the Government House at the Palacio de La Moneda, in Santiago since April 2022. Below, she shares insights about the current situation of the country from the perspective of Christian responsibility.

Under the canopy of yellow leaves

Ushered into the venue of the World Council of Churches (WCC) 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany, one finds a sanctuary, a safe space under the canopy of yellow leaves. Under the shade of trees with leaves slowly going through the withering process is the springing of hope for a better world engaged in conversations and dialogues that promote life at its fullness.

Tapestry artist Janine Marja Schneider sews regret, hope, and love into “Waterfall of Solidarity and Resistance”

As Brazilian artist Janine Marja Schneider pieces together the Waterfall of Solidarity and Resistance” tapestry, she brings mixed emotions to her endeavors. On one hand, shes inspired to bring the stories of women from around the world to life on the colorful blocks that cascade downward like liquid. On the other hand, with every stitch, she more deeply absorbs what brings these women together: it’s what theyve survived.

My experience in Fiji

My name is Tobias Nissen, I am an 18-year-old UK / Danish dual national who has lived in France my whole life. I attended school in Geneva, Switzerland and during my final years of education, I wrote an essay about the effects that climate change is having on low-lying Pacific countries. From this point on my interest in the Pacific region grew, and when I received the opportunity to work as an intern for the Pacific Conference of Churches, in Fiji for 2 months, I knew that it would be an experience that I couldn’t miss.

Pacific islands in peril, local churches' leader stresses before COP26

The Pacific islands are in grave danger and at the frontline of global climate change, so that is why the United Nations Conference on Climate Change, known as COP26, in Glasgow is so important for islanders, says Rev. James Bhagwan. He is general secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches, a Methodist minister based in Fiji, and visited Geneva on his way to COP26, in Scotland's biggest city, Glasgow, from 31 October to 12 November.

Argentinien: „Interreligiöse Solidarität im Dienst einer verwundeten Welt“ ist hoffnungsfroher Aufruf zu Zusammenarbeit

Prof. Dr. h.c. Humberto Martin Shikiya, Vizepräsident des regionalen ökumenischen Zentrums für Beratung und Dienstleistungen (CREAS) in Argentinen, berichtet im folgenden Interview, dass die Publikation „Interreligiöse Solidarität im Dienst einer verwundeten Welt: Ein christlicher Aufruf zum Nachdenken und Handeln während der Corona-Krise und darüber hinaus“ als ein hoffnungsfroher Aufruf zu ökumenischer und interreligiöser Zusammenarbeit wahrgenommen wird. Die gemeinsam vom Ökumenischen Rat der Kirchen (ÖRK) und dem Päpstlichen Rat für den interreligiösen Dialog veröffentlichte Publikation soll Kirchen und christliche Organisationen ermutigen, sich Gedanken darüber zu machen, wie wichtig interreligiöse Solidarität in der von der COVID-19-Pandemie verwundeten Welt ist.