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Blending local and global ecumenism in Asia

After being postponed twice because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 15th General Assembly of the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) finally got underway in late September and early October 2023 in Kottayam, India. Under the theme "God, renew us in your spirit and restore the creation,” CCA member churches across Asia gathered to stake out the direction forward and evaluate accomplishments and challenges since the last assembly in 2015 in Jakarta. 

Ecumenism in the Philippines means hope and resilience

As the World Council of Churches celebrates its 75th anniversary, a series of feature stories from different regions of the world will portray ecumenism at the local level—within churches, communities, and individuals who embody the spirit of ecumenism in unique ways. The feature story below offers a glimpse of some facets of ecumenism present in the Philippines.

Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata: “Colombia is a deeply fragile but promising country”

Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, World Council of Churches (WCC) programme director for Public Witness and Diakonia, led a delegation that visited Colombia on 8-11 August to express solidarity with the Colombian churches, government and people as they collaborate in the design, implementation, and advocacy for the construction of peace in the country. Below, he shares his impressions of the visit.

Ökumenische Theologie in der Kapelle, im Hörsaal und im Büro: Odair Pedroso Mateus schaut auf seine Zeit beim ÖRK zurück

Pastor Dr. Odair Pedroso Mateus nahm seine Lehrtätigkeit am Ökumenischen Institut in Bossey im Jahre 2004 auf und gehört seit 2007 zum Ökumenischen Rat der Kirchen (ÖRK). Eine Zeit lang übernahm er die Aufgabe des kommissarischen stellvertretenden Generalsekretärs des ÖRK und leitete die Kommission für Glauben und Kirchenverfassung. In unserem Gespräch berichtet er über seine liebsten Erinnerungen, seine Erfolge und seine Hoffnungen.

In Chile, “Churches’ ministry of reconciliation is key”

Bishop Izani Bruch, from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chile, serves as the Evangelical chaplain of the Government House at the Palacio de La Moneda, in Santiago since April 2022. Below, she shares insights about the current situation of the country from the perspective of Christian responsibility.

Tapestry artist Janine Marja Schneider sews regret, hope, and love into “Waterfall of Solidarity and Resistance”

As Brazilian artist Janine Marja Schneider pieces together the Waterfall of Solidarity and Resistance” tapestry, she brings mixed emotions to her endeavors. On one hand, shes inspired to bring the stories of women from around the world to life on the colorful blocks that cascade downward like liquid. On the other hand, with every stitch, she more deeply absorbs what brings these women together: it’s what theyve survived.

Licht im Leben vieler Menschen

Das Ermächtigen von benachteiligten Frauen und ihren Kindern zur Linderung der Armut war das Hauptthema von einer der konfessionellen Sitzungen im Rahmen der Zentralausschusstagung des Ökumenischen Rates der Kirchen (ÖRK) Mitte Juni.

Lighting the lives of many

Empowering underprivileged women and their children to alleviate poverty was the main topic of one of the confessional meetings held during the World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee meeting in mid-June.

Einheit ist entscheidend, wenn eine gesundheitliche Krise Asien vor neue Herausforderungen stellt

Währen die COVID-19-Pandemie langsam abebbt, bleiben ihre tiefen Auswirkungen auf das Leben der Menschen überall in Asien und auf der ganzen Welt. Zusätzlich zu den Leiden und dem tragischen Verlust vom Menschenleben durch das Virus selbst wurden auch die Hoffnungen auf eine bessere Zukunft durch soziale Isolation, ökonomische Rezession, steigende Arbeitslosigkeit und Armut verdunkelt.

Unity is key when health crisis poses new challenges in Asia

As the COVID-19 pandemic slowly fades, its severe impact on people’s lives lingers on throughout Asia and the rest of the world. In addition to the sufferings and tragic losses of lives caused by the virus, hopes for a brighter future have been dimmed by social isolation, economic recession, increased unemployment and poverty.