Search results

During the ecumenical prayer for the staff of the Ecumenical Centre on 15 March, Bishop Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, presiding bishop of the Bishops’ Conference of the Church of Norway, expressed his appreciation for the work of the ecumenical movement during the past year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With a year soon past since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the spread of COVID-19 a global pandemic, the World Council of Churches (WCC) will observe a week of prayer from 22-27 March. 

In a culmination of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, the World Council of Churches (WCC) held its first ever online global ecumenical prayer on 25 January, drawing attendees from across the world who came together in a spirit of hope.

The new surge in COVID-19 related hospitalizations and deaths has drastically increased the need for pastoral care almost everywhere. Brazil and Great Britain are two hard-hit countries, where the pandemic has brought existential questions on the table.  

The newly available materials for next year‘s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity draw on the experience of contemplative community life to guide us on a journey of prayer bearing fruits of reconciliation and solidarity. Tasked with preparing a draft for the 2021 edition, the Community of Grandchamp in Switzerland chose the theme “Abide in my love and you shall bear much fruit” (cf. Jn 15:5-9).

Os novos materiais disponibilizados para a Semana de Oração pela Unidade dos Cristãos, marcada para o ano que vem, se valem de diversas experiências de vida comunitária contemplativa para nos guiar em uma jornada de oração cujos frutos são a reconciliação e solidariedade. Encarregada de preparar a versão preliminar dos materiais para a edição de 2021, a Comunidade de Grandchamp, na Suíça, escolheu o tema “Permanecei no meu amor e produzireis muitos frutos” (ver Jo 15, 5-9).

The tradition of praying for Christian unity at Pentecost takes on new significance as physical prayer gatherings have been suspended in many places in an effort to curb the COVID-19 pandemic.

A tradição de orar pela unidade dos Cristãos no Pentecostes assume um novo significado neste momento, com encontros presenciais suspensos em diversos locais como parte dos esforços de combate à pandemia de COVID-19.

WCC acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca invites all member churches to observe a global prayer day on 14 May. The joint initiative with the members of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, of which the WCC is part, is calling for “prayer and supplication” to God for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A WCC support team is online and ready to help WCC member churches as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve. The team—comprised of experts in different facets of faith-related pandemic response—is here for you, said WCC acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca. “These are people who can serve as a tremendous support to the WCC fellowship,” said Sauca.

The world’s 300 million Orthodox Christians celebrated Easter on 19 April, carrying forth time-honored traditions even in difficult times.