Christians in New York City opened the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity on 18 January by participating in a worship service at the Interchurch Center, an office building that houses many church-related organizations and many others focused on intercultural and religious exchange. The service was infused with themes of justice and unity, both from a perspective of African-American history and the urging of Christians today to put their faith into action.
Pastor Dr. Curtiss Paul DeYoung, Co-Geschäftsführer des Rates der Kirchen von Minnesota, half das Team einzuberufen, das die Dokumentation für die diesjährige Gebetswoche für die Einheit der Christen vorbereitete. Im nachfolgenden Interview spricht er über die Herausforderungen und Hoffnungen, die die Gruppe während des Verfassens der Texte thematisierte.
Aa the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity opened on 18 January, the World Council of Churches staff and partners gathered in a spirit of unity to “Do good; seek justice,” the theme of this year’s special week.
Rev. Dr Curtiss Paul DeYoung, co-chief executive officer of the Minnesota Council of Churches, helped convene the team of authors for this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity materials. Below, he reflects on the challenges and hopes the team brought to the table as they composed the text.
Es hat einen Grund, dass die orthodoxe Theologin und Menschenrechtsanwältin Natallia Vasilevich lieber von der Rolle der Menschen christlichen Glaubens als von der Rolle der Kirchen in der belarussischen Gesellschaft erzählt.
The future of diaconal work in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine and aftermath of the war between Azerbaijan and Armenia, was discussed this week at the meeting organized by Interdiac, the International Academy for Diakonia and Social Action, Central and Eastern Europe in Český Těšín, Czech Republic.
There’s a reason why Orthodox theologian and human rights lawyer Natallia Vasilevich prefers to speak of the role of Christians rather than the role of churches in Belarusian society.
Ein Vater hält ein Kind im Arm, während eine ukrainische Flüchtlingsfamilie in ihrer vorübergehenden Unterkunft in den Räumen von AIDRom in Bukarest, Rumänien, an einer Aktivität für Kinder teilnimmt. Nach der russischen Militärinvasion in der Ukraine am 24. Februar 2022 sind bereits über eine halbe Million Menschen über die Grenze nach Rumänien geflüchtet.
World Council of Churches acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, upon hearing reports that give stronger indications of grave violations of international law in Ukraine, expressed abhorrence at these reported atrocities, and called for full investigation.
The Perkins School of Theology Alumni/ae Council selected Dr Evelyn L. Parker as the 2021 recipient of the Perkins Distinguished Alumnus/a Award. The award recognizes Perkins graduates who have demonstrated effectiveness and integrity in service to the church, continuing support for the goals of Perkins and Southern Methodist University, outstanding service to the community, and exemplary character.
A webinar entitled “Reflections on recent developments in the USA and their significance for interreligious relations,” held 9 February, brought together more than 20 advisers in interreligious relations from various World Council of Churches (WCC) member churches from across the globe.
The World Council of Churches (WCC) is celebrating the life of Rev. Dr Paul A. Crow, who passed away on 23 January. An ordained minister with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), his lifelong passion was seeking Christian unity.
In a campaign called simply “United Methodists Stand Against Racism,” the United Methodist Church is offering an array of worship opportunities, prayer gatherings, practical suggestions and other resources.
“We recognize racism as a sin,” reads a statement introducing the campaign. “We commit to challenging unjust systems of power and access.”
The Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians published a statement entitled “Mama, Mama…I Can’t Breathe!” that expresses heartbreak over the death of George Floyd at the hands of a policeman.
“Floyd pleaded for his life to no avail until he finally succumbed to death,” reads the statement. “The community has been pleading, ‘Black Lives Matter.’ ”
Bishop Mary Ann Swenson, a retired United Methodist bishop from the USA, has spent her career voicing the need for a church that includes all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity. And, throughout her career, she’s never been afraid to say that out loud.
In einer Botschaft an die Menschen, die sich in Hampton, Virginia (USA) versammelt hatten, sprach der Generalsekretär des Ökumenischen Rates der Kirchen (ÖRK), Pastor Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, über „Rassismus, Buße und Wiedergutmachung – eine Chance für die ökumenische Gemeinschaft“.
In a message to those gathered in Hampton, Virginia (USA), World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit explored “Race, Repentance, and Reparation: An Ecumenical Opportunity.”
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has released “A 60-Day Journey Toward Justice in a Culture of Gun Violence,” a collection of daily observances that call people to face the painful truth of gun violence and work for its prevention.
In der ersten Michael Huffington-Vorlesung an der Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles am 1. April hat der Generalsekretär des Ökumenischen Rates der Kirchen (ÖRK), Pastor Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, über das Thema der 11. ÖRK-Vollversammlung – „Die Liebe Christi bewegt die Welt zu Versöhnung und Einheit“ – gesprochen, die 2021 in Karlsruhe (Deutschland) stattfinden wird.
As he delivered the Inaugural Michael Huffington Lecture at Loyola Marymount University on 1 April, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit spoke on “Christ's love moves the world to reconciliation and unity,” the theme of the WCC 11th Assembly in 2021 in Karlsruhe, Germany.