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In a major new initiative, the central committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC) has endorsed proposals to establish a comprehensive ecumenical advocacy initiative for peace in the Middle East, and has reiterated its alarm at the dramatic humanitarian consequences and alleged violations of international law during the recent war in Lebanon and northern Israel. Â

The World Council of Churches' (WCC) central committee has urged religious and political leaders to promote the return of displaced persons, co-existence and reconciliation in the divided region of Kosovo as the basis of any long-term settlement.

The World Council of Churches' (WCC) participation in debates on social and economic issues remains as relevant and necessary in the 21st century as it was when canvassed at the World Conference on Church and Society, Geneva 1966, according to speakers at a 40th anniversary colloquium in Geneva today.

Young people will strengthen their profile in the World Council of Churches (WCC), following the establishment by its central committee of a new body to promote the participation of youth in the organization's life and work.

The central committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC) has appealed to the United Nations and the African Union to endorse a plan for a sustainable peace process between the government of Uganda and the "Lord's Resistance Army" (LRA).

The main points of focus for the 2007 Decade to Overcome Violence focus on Europe will be migration and working on a theology of a just peace.

The central committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC) today called on the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam to respect the terms and conditions of the 2002 cease-fire agreement, put an immediate end to all hostilities and resume peace negotiations without future delay.

By Manuel Quintero (*)

The World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee today condemnedextrajudicial killings in the Philippinesand called onthe government of the Philippines to disband "death squads", private militias and paramilitary forces operating with impunity in the country.

Lebanon's minister of culture, Dr Tarek Mitri, on 2 September expressed gratitude to the World Council of Churches (WCC), for its expressions of solidarity following Israel's attacks on Lebanon.

Members of central committee were able to visit the WCC's Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, just outside Geneva, on Sunday 3 September, and to learn more about the work of this unique establishment.

Retiring German church leader Bishop Rolf Koppe was honoured by central committee today as he completes a career of ecumenical service which began in 1969. "Your qualities are sound judgement, theological insight and human warmth. In addition, your sense of commitment is to an ecumenical vision far beyond European Protestantism, one which aims at the all-encompassing unity of the church," said WCC moderator Rev. Dr Walter Altmann in a tribute. Bishop Koppe led German Protestant international efforts in recent years in his position as head of EKD's ecumenical relations and ministries broad, and as a member of WCC's top governing bodies. The EKD is the WCC's largest member church in Germany. Koppe played a crucial role in appeasing Orthodox concerns in recent years when he co-presided the Special Commision on Orthodox Participation in the WCC. Speaking on behalf of the Commission's members, Metropolitan Bishoy of Damiette (Coptic Orthodox Church) thanked the bishop and presented him with a Coptic icon. Responding to the tribute, Koppe reminded those present that his ecumenical motto had always been "pray together and stay together," to which he wanted to add the words "pay together!" urging all member churches to carry the financial burden of the Council.

By Stephen Webb (*)

By Alexander Belopopsky (*)

The continued financial stabilization of the Council was confirmed today as central committee approved its regular financial report and adopted a new budget for the WCC's reorganized programmatic activity.

Take a look at a 5-minute video about last February's 9 th Assembly in Brazil, now featured on the WCC website - it's ready for downloading !

Public statements on situations or concerns with which the WCC or member churches are confronted are one way in which the Council responds to critical issues on the international agenda.

After having spent Saturday and Sunday deliberating in smaller groups, central committee delegates will be required, as of Monday, to take a number of strategic decisions affecting the work of the WCC over the next seven years.

In a volatile global context, the massive migration of people around the world has a deep impact on societies and churches, and poses fundamental questions for ecumenical relationships and responsibility, the general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC) stated in his report to the organization's main governing body.