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In 1895, student leaders from ten North American and European countries met at Vadstena Castle in Sweden to form the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF). Among its founders were John R. Mott (US), Karl Fries (Sweden), Martin Eckhoff (Norway), Luther D. Wishard (US), Johannes Siemsen (Germany), and J. Rutter Williamson (UK). The WSCF was the first international student organization and together with YMCA and YWCA, it is one of the oldest youth movements still in existence. 

During a 26 June service, participants from all over the world celebrated the 127th anniversary of the World Student Christian Federation in an 18th-century baroque church, Sophienkirche in Berlin, Germany.

The 37th Word Student Christian Federation  (WSCF) General Assembly officially kicked off  in Berlin with the theme, "Rejoice in Hope" (Romans 12:12), and a sub-theme of "Young People, Journeying Together Toward Justice and Peace.” Over 100 movements from 94 countries will attend this year’s assembly along with senior friends, partners, and guests from 24 -30 June.

World Council of Churches (WCC) acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca shared greetings with the 37th Session of the World Student Christian Federation General Assembly, which will be held in Berlin from 23 June to 1 July.

The World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee, in a public statement, called upon WCC member churches and ecumenical partners “to condemn or reiterate their condemnation of sexual and gender-based violence and of any form of violence against women, children and vulnerable people; to declare such rejection of the equal dignity of all people and such violence a sin; and to implement guidelines for the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.”

During a blessing of a peace quilt received as a gift from the women of the Mennonite World Conference, the World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee affirmed its commitment to pray for and advocate for an end to gender-based violence.

The opening prayer of the World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee, held 15 June, offered tributes to colleagues who have passed away, including special tributes to the late Metropolitan Gennadios.

At an online roundtable hosted by the All Africa Conference of Churches, male “champions for gender justice” shared their ideas and insights during their yearlong service as men who are helping to prevent gender-based violence.

As African women church leaders gathered last week for an inaugural “Ecumenical Women’s Initiative for Leadership and Learning”, they lamented grave injustices, celebrated women pioneers, and nurtured a spirit of solidarity they hope will blaze a global trail for the future. 

World Council of Churches (WCC) acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca expressed the revulsion of the global fellowship of churches at the murder of Deborah Yakubu, a second-year college student beaten to death and burnt by a group of her fellow students in Sokoto, northern Nigeria.

An inaugural “Ecumenical Women Church Leaders Initiative Consultation” will kick off from 17-19 May as a dozen African women gather in Geneva and online to exchange experiences and critical reflections.

World Council of Churches (WCC) specialized ministries and roundtable partners are gathering on 3-4 May at the Bossey Ecumenical Institute for a “Working Together” meeting filled with a spirit of interconnected learning and preparation for the WCC 11th Assembly.

As the hybrid book event on a deeper dive in the youth publication “Let the waves roar” commenced on 1 April, World Council of Churches (WCC) acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca welcomed everyone, saying: “I am so grateful to have the new publication with perspectives of young prophetic voices in the ecumenical movement, especially as we move toward the 11th assembly.”