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.
At a young age, Tony Rinaudo got angry at some of the environmental destruction while growing up in an agricultural region of the Owens Valley in Australia's Victoria state and, driven by his faith, did something.
Church leaders in the Philippines gathered in an ecumenical memorial service in Manila on 21 September, the 50th anniversary of the imposition of martial law, to solemnly recall people of faith who were tortured and killed during the brutal regime of president Ferdinand Marcos.
Ushered into the venue of the World Council of Churches (WCC) 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany, one finds a sanctuary, a safe space under the canopy of yellow leaves. Under the shade of trees with leaves slowly going through the withering process is the springing of hope for a better world engaged in conversations and dialogues that promote life at its fullness.
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.
Thursdays in Black ambassadors are adding to their group as the World Council of Churches fellowship increases its momentum with initiatives and advocacy for a world free from rape and violence.
Prayers for unity took on a different look and feel this year, but they weren’t stopped by widespread restrictions on face-to-face gatherings. From prayer cards to personal reflections, online gatherings to new connections, the images worldwide convey the spiritual richness of an ecumenical family that came together in prayer.
Public lectures and responses to reflect on racism as one of the major concerns of the ecumenical movement, to understand global manifestations of racism today, and to reaffirm the intersection of race and ethnicity with other determining characteristics.
This event plans to engage 30 indigenous young people from around the world and 20 Asian young people to go deeper on the topic of racism and exchange experiences. Key reasons for gathering in Japan is to show concrete solidarity with Indigenous Communities in Japan, share stories and hear the issues that they are struggling with.
The global ecumenical Indigenous Spirituality and Theology Consultation is an activity of the WCC Indigenous Peoples’ Programme and under the WCC Mission from the Margins Programmatic Area. It is hosted by Nungalinya Theological College which is an ecumenical theological education and learning center, situated in Darwin in the Northern Territory of Australia.
From September 1st to 4 October, Christians around the world are praying and caring for creation. It’s the “Season of Creation”. The beginning and the end date of Season of Creation are linked with the concern for creation in the Eastern and the Western traditions of Christianity, respectively.