Search results

On International Day of Human Fraternity, eyes turn toward bridging divides

On the 2024 International Day of Human Fraternity, observed 5 February, special events—including the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity—focused on bridging divides and promoting a culture of peace.

06 February 2024

WCC continues to promote inclusive citizenship in Iraq

The World Council of Churches (WCC), in partnership with CAPNI and UFUQ, is reaffirming its ongoing commitment to fostering sustainable peace through justice and inclusive citizenship in Iraq. This reaffirmation follows successful completion of a project to revise national educational curricula, promoting inclusive education and pedagogy.

15 January 2024

As International Court of Justice hearings commence, WCC calls on “all responsible members of the international community to respect and implement the ICJ rulings”

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay marked 11 January as a “significant moment for justice and the rule of law,” as public hearings commenced in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on allegations against the State of Israel of violations of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

11 January 2024

Religious leaders uniting for climate peace in solidarity with refugees, boost UN conference

The moment religious leaders from around 40 faith-based organisations worldwide agreed to keep defending the individual right to seek asylum during a gathering in Geneva marked a high point on the eve of the Global Refugee Forum, the world's biggest such international gathering.They met at a one-day event on 12 December at the World Council of Churches (WCC), chaired by an Armenian archbishop and a UN diplomat who was once a Turkish legislator.

14 December 2023

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew: climate change constitutes a spiritual and ethical issue

His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew addressed an assembly of religious leaders gathered at the World Council of Churches Ecumenical Centre on 12 December—the day before the opening of the Global Refugee Forum.

14 December 2023

Faith-based leaders release statement to Global Refugee Forum: “seeking asylum is a basic human right”

In a message to the Global Refugee Forum released 12 December, faith-based leaders underscored their commitment to offering sanctuary for refugees as well defending their human rights.

12 December 2023

Palestine-2022-Hillert-20221123_AH1_6488

Violations of human rights escalate in Masafer Yatta, Jerusalem

Ecumenical accompaniers continue to document violations of human rights in Palestine and Israel, some of the latest being reported at a school in Masafer Yatta, and in Jerusalem affecting Armenian Christians.

30 November 2023

At Peace Conference in Jakarta, WCC shares positive examples of interfaith action for peace

At a Peace Conference in Jakarta, Indonesia, hosted by the United Evangelical Mission (UEM) and the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI), Peter Prove, director of the World Council of Churches Commission of the Churches on International Affairs, participated as a panel speaker during a session on ““Global Challenges and Perspective for Interfaith Action” on 21 November.

21 November 2023

Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem release statement on celebration of Advent and Christmas

The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem released a statement on 10 November about the celebration of Advent and Christmas in the midst of the war.

17 November 2023

Violence against Palestinians is rising in the West Bank

Despite the war, security concerns, and travel restrictions, the World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme for Palestine and Israel and the WCC Jerusalem Office continue to operate. Ecumenical accompaniers have observed increasing violence against Palestinians in the West Bank since October 7.

16 November 2023

As British monarch visits, Kenyan religious leaders discuss interreligious dialogue

At a 120-year-old Anglican cathedral in Kenya’s coastal city of Mombasa, a visit by King Charles III, king of the United Kingdom and 14 other commonwealth realms, provided an opportunity for religious leaders to discuss interfaith dialogue, and peace, security, and development.

09 November 2023

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

Sinéad 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.

06 November 2023

At Orthodox Church in Gaza, fear looms over joy of baptizing nine babies

On 28 October, faithful parents gathered at St Porphyrios Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza to baptize their babies. The traditionally joyful baptisms were undergirded by fear: parents were having their young ones baptized so that if the babies perish in the war, they will die as Christians.

31 October 2023

“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.

25 October 2023

“They want to live without fear and constant harassment”

Máire 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.

25 October 2023

Kids Feel Safe Going to School when EAs are Present

Igor Galvão, from Brazil, served as an ecumenical accompanier in Jerusalem’s 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.

23 October 2023

WCC stands in solidarity with Jerusalem heads of churches in urgent call to protect places of refuge

The World Council of Churches (WCC) stands in solidarity with the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem as they condemn Israeli airstrikes that exploded at the Orthodox Church compound of Saint Porphyrios in Gaza on 19 October.

23 October 2023

WCC gravely concerned after evacuation request for Al Quds Hospital in Gaza

The World Council of Churches (WCC) expressed grave concern upon reports from the Palestinian Red Crescent of a concrete request from Israeli authorities for immediate evacuation of Al Quds Hospital in Gaza.

20 October 2023