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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.

Promoción de la dignidad humana a través del arte

“Afirmar la justicia y la dignidad humana” fue el tema de la cuarta sesión plenaria temática de la 11ª asamblea del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI), celebrada el 6 de septiembre. La presentación contó con un espectáculo de danza en silla de ruedas a cargo de Fadi El Halabi, un usuario de silla de ruedas, y de Karen Abi Nader, una artista internacional. En el baile de estilo libre, Halabi giró con facilidad con su silla de ruedas y, con movimientos lentos y coordinados junto con su compañera de baile, lanzó las manos al aire simbolizando la alegría que solo se puede sentir cuando se abordan todas las prácticas excluyentes y desempoderadoras en la iglesia y la sociedad.

Promoting human dignity through art

“Affirming justice and human dignity”  was the theme of the fourth thematic plenary of the World Council of Churches(WCC) 11th assembly on 6 September. The presentation featured a wheelchair dance performance by Fadi El Halabi, a wheelchair user and Ms. Karen Abi Nader, an international artist. In the freestyle dance, Halabi effortlessly spinned around his wheelchair and,  with slow coordinated moves together with his dance partner, threw hands in the air symbolizing the joy that can only be felt when all exclusionary and disempowerment practices in church and society are addressed.

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.

In Lebanon, “without peace there is no justice”

When Dr Michel Abs, secretary general of the Middle East Council of Churches, speaks about living conditions in Lebanon, his compassion for his people—and his passion for peace—brim over. In a video interview with the World Council of Churches, he honestly shared his deepest concerns about the current socio-economic crisis in his nation, and how churches are helping.

La Semana de oración por la unidad cristiana en imágenes

Este año, las oraciones por la unidad han adoptado una forma diferente, pero han podido tener lugar a pesar de las limitaciones generalizadas a la hora de celebrar las reuniones presenciales. Las imágenes de estas celebraciones en todo el mundo transmiten la riqueza espiritual de una familia ecuménica que se ha reunido en la oración mediante tarjetas de oración, reflexiones personales, encuentros en línea y nuevas formas de conectarse.

In pictures: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Prayers for unity took on a different look and feel this year, but they weren’t stopped by widespread restrictions on face-to-face gatherings. From prayer cards to personal reflections, online gatherings to new connections, the images worldwide convey the spiritual richness of an ecumenical family that came together in prayer.