The World Council of Churches (WCC) joined an ecumenical prayer service promoted by World Vision on the eve of the opening of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, in New York City.
Christians in New York City opened the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity on 18 January by participating in a worship service at the Interchurch Center, an office building that houses many church-related organizations and many others focused on intercultural and religious exchange. The service was infused with themes of justice and unity, both from a perspective of African-American history and the urging of Christians today to put their faith into action.
El Rev. Dr. Curtiss Paul DeYoung, codirector ejecutivo del Consejo de Iglesias de Minnesota, ayudó a formar el equipo de autores de los recursos de la Semana de Oración por la Unidad de los Cristianos de este año. A continuación, reflexiona sobre los retos y esperanzas que el equipo ha puesto sobre la mesa durante la composición del texto.
Pastor Dr. Curtiss Paul DeYoung, Co-Geschäftsführer des Rates der Kirchen von Minnesota, half das Team einzuberufen, das die Dokumentation für die diesjährige Gebetswoche für die Einheit der Christen vorbereitete. Im nachfolgenden Interview spricht er über die Herausforderungen und Hoffnungen, die die Gruppe während des Verfassens der Texte thematisierte.
Le pasteur Curtiss Paul DeYoung, codirecteur général du Conseil des Églises du Minnesota, aux États-Unis, a participé à la création d’une équipe d’auteurs et autrices chargée de rédiger les ressources de la Semaine de prière pour l’unité des chrétiens de cette année. Il revient sur les défis rencontrés et les espoirs partagés lors de la rédaction commune du texte.
Aa the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity opened on 18 January, the World Council of Churches staff and partners gathered in a spirit of unity to “Do good; seek justice,” the theme of this year’s special week.
Rev. Dr Curtiss Paul DeYoung, co-chief executive officer of the Minnesota Council of Churches, helped convene the team of authors for this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity materials. Below, he reflects on the challenges and hopes the team brought to the table as they composed the text.
The Perkins School of Theology Alumni/ae Council selected Dr Evelyn L. Parker as the 2021 recipient of the Perkins Distinguished Alumnus/a Award. The award recognizes Perkins graduates who have demonstrated effectiveness and integrity in service to the church, continuing support for the goals of Perkins and Southern Methodist University, outstanding service to the community, and exemplary character.
A webinar entitled “Reflections on recent developments in the USA and their significance for interreligious relations,” held 9 February, brought together more than 20 advisers in interreligious relations from various World Council of Churches (WCC) member churches from across the globe.
The World Council of Churches (WCC) is celebrating the life of Rev. Dr Paul A. Crow, who passed away on 23 January. An ordained minister with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), his lifelong passion was seeking Christian unity.
Rev. Dr Angelique Walker-Smith is senior associate for Pan African and Orthodox Church Engagement at Bread for the World. She also serves on the World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee. She recently participated in a rally and march in Washington, DC, where thousands gathered to commemorate the 57th anniversary of the March on Washington in 1963 that included Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have A Dream" speech.
In a campaign called simply “United Methodists Stand Against Racism,” the United Methodist Church is offering an array of worship opportunities, prayer gatherings, practical suggestions and other resources.
“We recognize racism as a sin,” reads a statement introducing the campaign. “We commit to challenging unjust systems of power and access.”
The Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians published a statement entitled “Mama, Mama…I Can’t Breathe!” that expresses heartbreak over the death of George Floyd at the hands of a policeman.
“Floyd pleaded for his life to no avail until he finally succumbed to death,” reads the statement. “The community has been pleading, ‘Black Lives Matter.’ ”
Bishop Mary Ann Swenson, a retired United Methodist bishop from the USA, has spent her career voicing the need for a church that includes all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity. And, throughout her career, she’s never been afraid to say that out loud.
Members of Bread for the World’s Pan African Young Adult Network embarked on a pilgrimage to Jamestown, Virginia (USA) on 23-25 August to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the arrival of enslaved African peoples in 1619.
On 28 June, a World Council of Churches (WCC) intergenerational climate justice project was awarded the Keeling Curve Prize, a recognition for initiatives that offer solutions to reduce global warming. The WCC project supports adolescents engaging in climate justice through church-run schools, Sunday schools, and summer camps. The project stems from Churches’ Commitments to Children, a partnership between the WCC and UNICEF.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has released “A 60-Day Journey Toward Justice in a Culture of Gun Violence,” a collection of daily observances that call people to face the painful truth of gun violence and work for its prevention.
In einer Erklärung erinnert der Ökumenische Rat der Kirchen daran, dass vor 400 Jahren die Versklavung afrikanischer Völker begann. Damals kam eine erste Schiffsladung aus Angola im Hafen von Jamestown, Virginia (USA) an.
A statement from the World Council of Churches (WCC) Executive Committee commemorated the quad-centennial of the forced transatlantic voyage of enslaved African peoples from Angola to Jamestown, Virginia (USA).
Una declaración del Comité Ejecutivo del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI) conmemoró el IV centenario del viaje transatlántico forzoso de pueblos africanos esclavizados de Angola a Jamestown, Virginia (EE. UU.).