Displaying 1 - 20 of 85

Voice of churches vital during UN women’s rights talks

As the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) drew to a close, a look back shows that, this year, the World Council of Churches (WCC), through its Ecumenical Office to the United Nations, brought many voices to the table to speak on gender equality, women's rights, and empowerment. 

Ecumenical accompanier: “many Palestinians simply want to live a peaceful life”

Siad Ní Bhroin, from the EAPPI UK and Ireland team, served as an ecumenical accompanier in Bethlehem from 31 August to 7 October. The World Council of Churches Ecumenical Accompaniment Program in Palestine and Israel, based on an appeal from local church leaders to create an international presence in the country, accompanies the local people and communities, offering a protective presence and witnessing daily struggles and hopes. Below, a reflection on what she witnessed while in the field.

A Guide for Churches on the Prevention of Obstetric Fistula

WCC Human Rights programme

This guide aims to raise awareness in churches and church communities of the catastrophic condition of obstetric fistula—a childbirth injury usually caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without timely medical intervention. Obstetric fistula can have devastating physical, emotional, and economic consequences for women and can even result in permanent disability.

It introduces readers to obstetric fistula and explains why churches need to be concerned. It discusses how churches can help prevent the condition from occurring in the women in their congregations and local communities. It also offers practical and emotional support and encouragement to those who are suffering with obstetric fistula. Finally, this guide outlines the advocacy work being done and suggests some actions churches can take.

Available for download in English, Portuguese, and Malagasy.

At peace conference, WCC focuses on overcoming racism

Dr Masiiwa Ragies Gunda, World Council of Churches (WCC) programme executive on Overcoming Racism, Racial Discrimination, and Xenophobia, recently attended and spoke at a Church and Peace Conference in the Netherlands. Exploring the theme Overcoming Racism in the Church,” the conference drew nearly 100 people from 15 European and non-European countries. 

“The occupation can’t last forever”

Rev. Annica Anderbrant, from Sweden, served as an ecumenical accompanier near Jerusalem, from 31 August to 7 October. The World Council of Churches Ecumenical Accompaniment Program in Palestine and Israel, based on an appeal from local church leaders to create an international presence in the country, accompanies the local people and communities, offering protective presence and witnessing their daily struggles and hopes. Below, Anderbrant reflects on what she witnessed while in the field. 

“They want to live without fear and constant harassment”

ire Ní Mheibhric, from Galway, Ireland, served as an ecumenical accompanier in the village of Tubas, in the West Bank, from 31 August to 7 October. She also previously served as an ecumenical accompanier in 2019 in Hebron. The World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel, based on an appeal from local church leaders to create an international presence in the country, accompanies the local people and communities, offering protective presence and witnessing their daily struggles and hopes. Below, Ní Mheibhric reflects on what she witnessed while in the field.

Kids Feel Safe Going to School when EAs are Present

Igor Galvão, from Brazil, served as an ecumenical accompanier in Jerusalems Old City from 31 August to 7 October. The World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel, based on an appeal from local church leaders to create an international presence in the country, accompanies the local people and communities, offering protective presence and witnessing their daily struggles and hopes. Below, Galvão reflects on what he witnessed while in the field, and on the work ahead.

ACT Alliance general secretary: “equity is not negotiable”

As the 78th session of the UN General Assembly and the first-ever Climate Action Summit were held in New York City in September, ACT Alliance general secretary Rudelmar Bueno de Faria reflected on the importance of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the ecumenical movement in creating a more sustainable and equitable world.

A journey through advocacy, women's leadership, and the Korea peace appeal

The call for peace in Korea has resonated for decades, echoing across international borders and faith communities. Patti Talbot, who has served The United Church of Canada for nearly 30 years, sheds light on the enduring relevance of ecumenical advocacy efforts for peace in the Korean Peninsula. She shared insights into the importance of these efforts and their potential to change the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

Video interview: WCC “will be known by where it invests its moral and financial resources”

In a video interview with WCC news, Rev. Dr Liberato C. Bautista, assistant general secretary for United Nations and International Affairs, General Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church, reflects on the dynamics of the ecumenical movement between local and global realities and the role of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in international multilateral dialogue.

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.