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Throughout history, religious communities living in contexts in which other religions predominate have been among the most vulnerable groups in society. In many parts of the world today, Christians in such contexts are among the most persecuted communities. With the Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace (PJP) focus on Asia this year, we observe the challenges faced by Christian communities in several countries and territories in this region.

Sermon by bishop Mary Ann Swenson, Vice-moderator of the WCC Central Committee

The report points out that underlying these disturbing trends are “production and consumption patterns, human population dynamics and trends, trade, technological innovations and local through global governance.”
In every single area of recommended action, churches are well-placed to make significant contributions. We have the capacity and the responsibility to act.

The WCC has acknowledged that racism is a church-dividing issue and has underlined the importance of continuing the discussion on restorative justice to people of African descent and Indigenous Peoples. Racism and racial justice is the global theme for the year of 2019 in the common journey of the Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace (PJP).

The World Council of Churches is faithfully and fully committed to the promotion of a just peace in Israel and Palestine, for both peoples of the region. That commitment is part of the fabric of our faith, and of the heritage of the ecumenical movement. We seek to express it by accompanying the churches, inter-faith partners and communities of these lands in their witness and work for justice and for peace.

The executive committee of the World Council of Churches, meeting in Bossey, Switzerland, on 22-28 May 2019, expresses its concern and alarm at the recent escalation of tensions between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, following the US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the “Iran Nuclear Deal”.

The executive committee of the World Council of Churches, meeting in Bossey, Switzerland, on 22-28 May 2019, recalls the many initiatives and expressions of concern about the situation in the Indonesian provinces of Papua and Papua Barat (together referred to herein as “West Papua” or “Tanah Papua”) by national, regional and international ecumenical and church-related organizations over many years.

The executive committee, meeting in Bossey, Switzerland, on 22-28 May 2019, calls on WCC member
churches to keep the faith for an end to AIDS.

A tribute to remember and celebrate the lives of Rev. Norman Tendis (15 August 1967 – 11 March 2019) and Rev. Robina Winbush (16 July 1957 – 12 March 2019) . The executive committee members participated in this service along with the staff community.

Brothers and sisters, welcome to the Executive Committee meeting. It is a joy to see each one of you. A lot has happened both positive and not so good, since we last met at the stop in our pilgrimage together in Uppsala, Sweden; this stop for was a moment to learn and be exposed to the Swedish ecclesial landscape and we are grateful to the Church of Sweden for their support and solidarity.

Delivered at the World Council of Churches Executive Committee, Uppsala, Sweden, 2-8 November 2018

WCC Communication strategy 2018-2021, approved by WCC Executive Committee in Uppsala 2018.

Statement by WCC Executive Committee, November 2018