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Theological education in Africa promotes social transformation

A Theological Education by Extension programme in Africa aims to reach many people who can collectively drive social transformation. This was affirmed during the All Africa Theological Education by Extension Association 5th Quadrennial Conference in Kigali, Rwanda, 24-28 October.

Pastor Frank Chikane: „Einheit lässt sich nicht auf Kosten der Gerechtigkeit erreichen“

Als Pastor Frank Chikane als Generalsekretär den Südafrikanischen Kirchenrat leitete und das Apartheidsystem wegen seiner Ungerechtigkeiten anklagte, führte er seine Mission unbeirrt fort, auch nachdem das Büro des Gebäudes nach einem Bombenanschlag völlig zerstört war. Pastor Chikane ist seit 2016 Vorsitzender der Kommission der Kirchen für internationale Angelegenheiten des Ökumenischen Rates der Kirchen (ÖRK) und engagiert sich für den Kampf gegen Ungerechtigkeiten in zahlreichen Ländern der Welt. Die ÖRK-Kommunikationsabteilung hat Pastor Chikane darum gebeten, auf seine bisherige Arbeit innerhalb der Kommission zurückzublicken und über die fortwährende Berufung der Kirchen zu sprechen, ein Zeichen gegen die Ungerechtigkeiten in der Welt von heute zu setzen.

Rev. Frank Chikane: “You can’t do unity at the expense of justice”

When Rev. Frank Chikane was leading the South African Council of Churches in calling out injustices of the apartheid system, their work did not stop even after the council’s office building was bombed to the ground in 1980s. Moderating the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs of the World Council of Churches (WCC) since 2016, Rev. Chikane has been engaged in addressing injustices in many parts of the world. WCC Communication asked Rev. Chikane to look back at his term at the commission and the ongoing calling of churches to address injustices in the world today.

In a COVID-stricken world, “everyone is important”

A webinar held 22 October gave space for persons with disabilities to share their reflections. Entitled “From Lamentation to Transformation,” the event, first in a series of webinars on COVID-19 perspectives, highlighted hope through stories, practical support, and social change as experienced by persons with disabilities.

Rev. Dr Angelique Walker-Smith: From a Christian Pan African perspective, “who writes the stories?”

Rev. Dr Angelique Walker-Smith is senior associate for Pan African and Orthodox Church Engagement at Bread for the World. She also serves on the World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee. She recently participated in a rally and march in Washington, DC, where thousands gathered to commemorate the 57th anniversary of the March on Washington in 1963 that included Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have A Dream" speech.

Religious leaders from South Sudan cherish those who host refugees

Commemorating the International Day of Peace on 21 September, the Ecumenical Network of South Sudan sent a message to the Uganda Joint Christian Council and to other organizations and communities who have hosted refugees.
“We would like to express our solidarity, knowing quite well your ever-commendable efforts towards your support for the people of South Sudan,” reads the statement. “You have been true ambassadors of the love of Christ.”

Mission and people with disabilities

How much is the mission of the church related to people with disabilities? These days we talk a lot about inclusive societies and churches. But, have we arrived there? Are our societies and churches taking seriously the problems and challenges that people with disabilities face on a daily basis? People with disabilities find themselves quite often at the margins of the societies and even of the churches.