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Witnessing a spectacular display of movement and grace through para-dance, the World Council of Churches (WCC) 11th Assembly was challenged to boldly proclaim the truth about injustices, show a commitment to transformation, and be agents of reconciliation by recognizing complicity.

In a video greeting at the World Council of Churches (WCC) 11th Assembly on 5 September, Catherine Namakula, chairperson of the UN Working Group on People of African Descent, commended the work the two organizations have done together—and called churches to the tasks ahead of them in combatting racism.

The International Jewish Committee for Interreligious Consultations told the World Council of Churches 11th Assembly that its meeting in Karlsruhe coincides with the Hebrew repentance month of Elu.

In a special greeting to the World Council of Churches (WCC) 11th Assembly, Bishop Olav Fykse Tveit, presiding bishop of the Church of Norway and former WCC general secretary, expressed what a miracle the assembly gathered is.

Unless the efforts of youth are mobilized for institutional change, their efforts to live sustainably, ethically, and mindful of consumption will not have an impact, warned Ruth Mathen, delegate of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, during a WCC assembly press conference on 5 September.

During a plenary session held 5 September as part of the ongoing World Council of Churches 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany, women, men, youth, Indigenous peoples, and people living with HIV and AIDS challenged ecumenical leaders to counter injustices and affirm wholeness of life.

Learn more about Karlsruhe’s beautiful Golden Book. Hear voices from across the world talk about what reconciliation means to them. Watch highlights from Sunday’s ecumenical service. And go inside the Prayer Tent.

Ukrainian archbishop Yevstratiy of Chernihiv and Nizhyn, in a press briefing at the World Council of Churches (WCC) 11th Assembly, told journalists that the Orthodox Church of Ukraine has applied to become a full member of the WCC and the Conference of European Churches.

During a special reception at the Karlsruhe town hall on 3 September, the leaders of the World Council Churches central committee—Dr Agnes Abuom, moderator; Bishop Mary Anne Swenson, vice moderator;  Metropolitan Nifon of Târgoviște, vice moderator; and WCC acting general secretary Rev. Prof Dr Ioan Sauca—were asked to sign the Golden Book of Karlsruhe.

The mayor of Karlsruhe Dr Frank Mentrup welcomed World Council of Churches leaders at a special reception at his German city’s town hall on 3 September, expressing his delight that the WCC has brought the global fellowship to his city.

In a process described as, “a journey of walking together, praying together, and working together,” Dr Agnes Abuom, WCC moderator, began the second business plenary with a review of the assembly decision-making process. “The decisions of the assembly are expressed through the final reports of the assembly committees,” she said, noting the distinction between earlier messages and final messages, which are expected to come to assembly next week.