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World Day of Health and the Veneration of the Holy Cross: two celebrations with significant meaning

This year, the World Day of Health, which is celebrated annually on 7 April, falls on the third Sunday of Great Lent in the Orthodox Church that is dedicated to the Veneration of the Holy Cross.

11 April 2024

Rev. Dr Stavros Kofinas

Blog post

Jesus and the ladder to peacemaking: an Easter meditation

Originally published by The Canadian Council of Churches.*

04 April 2024

Pastor Peter Noteboom

Interview

Voice of churches vital during UN women’s rights talks

As the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) drew to a close, a look back shows that, this year, the World Council of Churches (WCC), through its Ecumenical Office to the United Nations, brought many voices to the table to speak on gender equality, women's rights, and empowerment.

28 March 2024

Interview

Rev. Sally Azar: Thursdays in Black “is universally bringing people together”

Our series of interviews with Thursdays in Black ambassadors highlights those who are playing a vital role in increasing the impact of our collective call for a world without rape and violence. Rev. Sally Azar is a pastor at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, and currently serves as a pastor in Jerusalem for both Arabic and English-speaking congregations.

21 March 2024

Feature story

Inter-religious voices of concern in lead-up to International Women’s Day

In an online conference organized by the World Union of Catholic Women's Organisations on 5 March, the World Council of Churches (WCC) was represented among inter-religious voices bringing their concerns and sense of solidarity in the lead-up to International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on 8 March.

07 March 2024

Feature story

“Circle of Prayer” reverberates out from Dover—to the world

When COVID-19 brought its dark cloud of sickness, fear, and anxiety to his corner of the UK, Rev. Harvey Richardson decided to embrace his friends with the light of prayer.

21 February 2024

Feature story

As femicide cases rises, Kenyan religious leaders move to act

As cases of femicide rise, religious leaders in Kenya are calling for the protection of women, as they unite to condemn the incidents now sending shockwaves across the East African nation.

06 February 2024

Feature story

"Africa Six" bishops gather at St Paul’s University: “we carry the flag of women”

Six African Anglican female bishops—fondly known as the “Africa Six”—gathered at St Paul’s University in Nairobi, Kenya on 11 January to share their ideas and inspirations about “Christian Leadership for the 21st Century.”

12 January 2024

Feature story

What is gender-based online disinformation—and what can we do about it?

Lucina Di Meco, co-founder of #ShePersisted, shared research on gendered disinformation and online abuse against women in politics. She also shared suggestions for action during her presentation, part of a workshop for young church leaders on “Tackling Online Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.”

08 January 2024

Feature story

Photo showing some of the devastation of war

Tackling sexual violence in war

War has always tragically impacted women and children, but the traumatic effects of weaponizing women in war have long been swept under the carpet.On 8 December, the World Council of Churches (WCC) held a hybrid discussion watched globally as part of the 16 Days Against Gender-based Violence.

14 December 2023

Feature story

WCC webinar explores decolonizing beauty

With a close look at the “skin-whitening pandemic,” a 4 December webinar hosted by the World Council of Churches (WCC) explored the intersections of mission, gender, racism, and health.

11 December 2023

Feature story

Young Black Europeans: “common witness has an open ear”

The World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission for World Mission and Evangelism and Programme for Overcoming Racism, Xenophobia, and Related Discrimination hosted a meeting of young Black European Christians.

30 November 2023

Interview

H.E. Archbishop Dr Vicken Aykazian is vice-moderator of the World Council of Churches central committee, Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC

H.E. Archbishop Dr Vicken Aykazian stands up for Thursdays in Black: “Just go on, do—and we can do it together”

Thursdays in Black ambassadors play a vital role in increasing the impact of our collective call for a world without rape and violence. H.E. Archbishop Dr Vicken Aykazian is vice-moderator of the World Council of Churches central committee.

23 November 2023

Interview

Rev. Merlyn Hyde Riley: “Gender-based violence denies human dignity”

Thursdays in Black ambassadors play a vital role in increasing the impact of our collective call for a world without rape and violence. Rev. Merlyn Hyde Riley is general secretary of the Jamaica Baptist Union, and vice moderator of the WCC central committee.

19 October 2023

Interview

Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm: Thursdays in Black “a witness to Jesus Christ”

Thursdays in Black ambassadors play a vital role in increasing the impact of our collective call for a world without rape and violence. Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm is moderator of the World Council of Churches.

12 October 2023

Interview

WCC general secretary: with Thursdays in Black, "a simple step can be transformational”

Thursdays in Black ambassadors play a vital role in increasing the impact of our collective call for a world without rape and violence. Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay is general secretary of the World Council of Churches.

05 October 2023

Feature story

Celebratory event discusses Black leaders’ contributions to WCC

A public online celebration and panel discussion on 31 August, “They too were Gathered: Paying homage to Black people’s contributions to 75 years of World Council of Churches (WCC),” uncovered the contributions of Black people from different parts of the world in the formation and growth of the WCC.

06 September 2023

Publication

Ecumenical International Youth Day 2023 Toolkit

Young People and Their Voices from the Warzones

Andrei Ursulean

Stefan Wilson

This year’s theme for Ecumenical Youth Day is Young People and Their Voices from the Warzones. Political insurrection and ideologies have permeated the fabric of society. This has caused division and hatred, resulting in the loss of innocent lives.

Addressing the realities young people face in the world today represents a moral imperative for and crucial aspect of peace-building. Providing them with access to education and psychological support is the only solution for their empowerment. Through this toolkit, the World Council of Churches, via youth engagement in the ecumenical movement, extends an invitation and encourages all member churches and ecumenical partners to participate in this year’s Ecumenical International Youth Day. This year, there is a special desire to draw attention to the situation of young people who live the hard realities of wars, conflicts, and injustice. This document contains resources and suggested ways to observe this day and adapt it to your context.

26 July 2023

Feature story

Mariela Alejandra Pereyra speaks on behalf of the Latin America region

Taking action for a flourishing land: Latin American voices prioritize climate justice, Indigenous rights, gender equality

Seeking to join efforts with those committed to ensure a just and sustainable future for the continent, representatives from World Council of Churches (WCC) member churches in Latin America gathered at the WCC central committee in June to identify common concerns.

04 July 2023

Feature story

Clear message as WCC celebrates 75 years: “Trust your young people”

As the World Council of Churches (WCC) celebrated its 75 anniversary, the voices of young people rang out with hope, joy—and some pointed messages for their ecumenical family.

27 June 2023