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Is health the same for all?

To guarantee the right to health, we need to understand the meaning of health. WHO defined it in 1948 as a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity wellness, but there is another definition that I like better.

17 April 2024

Lorena Catalina Bonilla Garcia

Feature story

Closing worship service at Jerusalem Mar Thoma Church in Kottayam. Photo CCA

Blending local and global ecumenism in Asia

After being postponed twice because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 15^th General Assembly of the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) finally got underway in late September and early October 2023 in Kottayam, India. Under the theme "God, renew us in your spirit and restore the creation,” CCA member churches across Asia gathered to stake out the direction forward and evaluate accomplishments and challenges since the last assembly in 2015 in Jakarta.

02 November 2023

Feature story

In Colombia, WCC is helping people realize dreams of a future in peace with justice

In September, the World Council of Churches (WCC), with the Colombian Episcopal Conference, United Nations Mission in Colombia, and Organization of American States, was appointed as a permanent accompanier for peace talks with the Estado Mayor Central FARC-EP in Colombia.

20 October 2023

Photo essay

WCC general secretary reflects on deep spirituality of member churches in Asia

After returning from a visit to the Christian Conference of Asia assembly, and from visits with church leaders in India, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay reflected that the relationships he built were both enlightening and inspiring.

05 October 2023

Blog post

Reflection on the parable of the workers in the vineyard

The following reflection is on Matthew 20:1-16.

27 September 2023

Rev. Dr Mauro Batista de Souza

Feature story

Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (Brazil) to become Blue University

The Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná in Brazil is looking at how to transform into a “Blue University.” Brother Rogério Renato Mateucci, rector, confirmed the university’s commitment to become part of the global Blue Community network.

28 August 2023

Feature story

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.

22 August 2023

Interview

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

Interview

Teología ecuménica en la capilla, el aula y la oficina: Odair Pedroso Mateus reflexiona sobre su trabajo para el CMI

El Rev. Dr. Odair Pedroso Mateus comenzó a impartir clases en el Instituto Ecuménico de Bossey en 2004 y empezó a trabajar en el Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI) en 2007. En estos últimos tiempos, ha sido secretario general adjunto en funciones del CMI y director de Fe y Constitución. A continuación, reflexiona sobre sus mejores recuerdos, sus logros y sus esperanzas.

13 February 2023

Interview

Ecumenical theology at chapel, classroom, and office: Odair Pedroso Mateus reflects on serving the WCC

Rev. Dr Odair Pedroso Mateus began to teach at the Bossey Ecumenical Institute in 2004 and joined the World Council of Churches (WCC) in 2007. Most recently he served as WCC interim deputy general secretary and Faith and Order director. Below, he reflects on his fondest memories, accomplishments, and hopes.

08 February 2023

Interview

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.

29 November 2022

Feature story

Jocabed Solano brings Indigenous perspective to COP27: “We are dancing and we have our feet together with the land”

Jocabed Solano is attending COP27, bringing an Indigenous perspective from Panama and from Latin America.

16 November 2022

Feature story

Migrants in Argentina find listening ears and open hearts

Located in the Flores neighborhood of the City of Buenos Aires, for almost 50 years the Argentine Commission for Refugees and Migrants has carried out committed work in favor of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.

04 November 2022

Interview

Eco School alumna recalls “very enriching and formative experience”

Malena Lozada, from Argentina, attended the World Council of Churches Eco School in 2018. She has remained engaged in climate talks, and is now a climate scientist pursuing a PhD related to climate change.

21 October 2022

Feature story

Memorial service marking the 50th anniversary of martial law in the Philippines

Church leaders remember martyrs in Philippines, call for end to current campaign of repression

Church leaders in the Philippines gathered in an ecumenical memorial service in Manila on 21 September, the 50^th anniversary of the imposition of martial law, to solemnly recall people of faith who were tortured and killed during the brutal regime of president Ferdinand Marcos.

06 October 2022

Blog post

Entrance to the WCC 11th Assembly venue in Karlsruhe

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.

04 September 2022

Klein Fausto Emperado

Interview

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, she’s 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 they’ve survived.

04 August 2022

Feature story

Iluminando la vida de muchas personas

El tema principal de una de las reuniones confesionales que tuvieron lugar durante la reunión del Comité Central del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI), a mediados de junio, fue la habilitación de las mujeres desfavorecidas y de sus hijos para mitigar la pobreza.

30 June 2022

Feature story

Lighting the lives of many

Empowering underprivileged women and their children to alleviate poverty was the main topic of one of the confessional meetings held during the World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee meeting in mid-June.

28 June 2022

Feature story

La unidad es clave ante los nuevos retos que la crisis sanitaria plantea en Asia

A medida que la pandemia de COVID-19 se atenúa lentamente, persisten sus graves consecuencias sobre la vida de las personas, en toda Asia y en el resto del mundo. Además del sufrimiento y de la trágica pérdida de vidas provocados por el virus, las esperanzas en un futuro mejor se han visto truncadas por el aislamiento social, la recesión económica, el aumento del desempleo y la pobreza.

01 March 2022