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Groundwater: a hidden treasure we need to protect, say EWN members

Groundwater resources are the invisible lifeline of our planet. They provide almost half of all drinking water worldwide, about 40% of water for irrigated agriculture and about one third of the water supply required for industry. Yet many people are unaware of the importance of groundwater. That is why this year’s World Water Day on 22 March focuses on the theme “Groundwater: making the invisible visible.” In this article, members of the WCC’s Ecumenical Water Network testify to the urgency of protecting our global groundwater.

28 February 2022

Unity is key when health crisis poses new challenges in Asia

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.

28 February 2022

Rivers, oceans, lakes all interconnected in God's patterns for nature, WCC webinar hears

The Rewa River is the longest and widest river in Fiji on the island of Viti Levu, originating in Tomanivi, the highest peak in the country, and is of enormous importance to local indigenous culture, explains Rev. James Bhagwan.

As general secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches, Bhagwan offered opening remarks and prayers at a World Council of Churches (WCC) webinar titled "Food from Oceans, Rivers and Lakes" on 28 January with participants from every part of planet earth.

03 February 2022

Congregation singing and praying in the church

United Church of Canada launches Korea Peace Appeal

The United Church of Canada has launched the “Korea Peace Appeal Ten Thousand Signature Campaign” that declares, “70 years is enough. It’s time to end the Korean War.”

27 January 2022

A special event on February 2020 in Geneva marked the launch of the World Council of Churches periodical on interreligious relations "Current Dialogue" as an academic journal for researchers, students, interfaith practitioners, and all those interested in the study of religions. Current Dialogue thereby became the third WCC academic journal to be produced by publishers Wiley, alongside "The Ecumenical Review" and "International Review of Mission", Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC

New edition of Current Dialogue marks 50th anniversary—and courageous strides—of WCC Office of Interreligious Dialogue and Cooperation

A special edition of Current Dialogue, the World Council of Churches (WCC) journal on interreligious relations, is marking the 50th anniversary of the WCC Office of Interreligious Dialogue and Cooperation.

19 January 2022

Media advisory

Computer screen with Central committee moderator.

Media accreditation to WCC Central Committee meeting online press room, press conferences and media briefings, 9 – 15 February

Media accreditation is open for the World Council of Churches (WCC) online central committee meeting, scheduled for 9 – 15 February.

18 January 2022

Letter

Faith Global Vaccine Statement

A letter signed by 115 organizations, representing five world faith traditions, called on World Trade Organization member countries to act before year’s end to waive Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights rules.

14 December 2021

Ecumenical movement

Commission on International Affairs

Message

Address by Peter Prove, director of the WCC's CCIA at the WCC-NCCK Consultation on peace-building on the Korean Peninsula

Address by Peter Prove, director of the WCC's Commission of the Churches on International Affairs at the WCC-NCCK Consultation on peacebuilding on the Korean Peninsula, Seoul, 23 November 2021.

23 November 2021

Commission on International Affairs

Message

Keynote speech by Peter Prove, director of the WCC-CCIA at the 70th General Assembly of the National Council of Churches in Korea

Walk the Path of the New Commandment: Keynote speech of Peter Prove, director of the WCC's Commission of the Churches on International Affairs at the 70th General Assembly of the National Council of Churches in Korea, 22 November 2021.

23 November 2021

“Climate Justice, Food, and Faith” webinar highlights calls for urgent change in action and spirit

A webinar, “Climate Justice, Food, and Faith,” on 9 November offered not only practical information on how climate change relates to food insecurity but also a call to change how we view our care for the earth and for hungry people.

09 November 2021

Patch of grass in the foreground with blurry beige coloured concrete buildings seen in the distance in the background.

In East Jerusalem, “we will never give up our rights”

What is it like to face the fear of eviction or demolition of your home, day after day, year after year? Personal testimonies during a 28 October webinar portrayed the reality of living in East Jerusalem today.

29 October 2021

Message

Bishop Petra Bosse-Huber: The Eleventh World Council of Churches Assembly in Europe and Germany

Address of Bishop Petra Bosse-Huber from the Evangelical Church in Germany at the meeting of WCC, EKD, German Federal Foreign Office and TransAtlantic Network, 13 October 2021

13 October 2021

Member church

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organization

Faith communities vital in COVID fight because they are trusted, WHO chief says

Faith communities, governments, international organizations, foundations, the private sector, and civil society organizations are essential in every response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organization, told an interfaith gathering.

31 August 2021

Drummers with the DC-based African Heritage Dancers and Drummers organization open the Interfaith Vigil for Global Vaccine Access on Tuesday, 20 July 2021 in Washington.

Global interfaith vigil advocates for COVID-19 vaccine access, equity

On 20 July, faith communities from 70 different groups across the world gathered online and in-person in Washington, DC to express solidarity for the billions of people without access to COVID-19 vaccines.

23 July 2021

Sermon

Sermon at the opening prayer for the WCC central committee, Most Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit

Sermon at the opening prayer for the WCC central committee on 23 June 2021: Most Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, Church of Norway, former general secretary of the WCC

23 June 2021

Central Committee

Media advisory

WCC central committee press conferences: apply for media accreditation now

Media accreditation is mandatory to attend online press conferences on 24 and 29 June, to be held in conjunction with the World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee meeting.

14 June 2021

Interview

The imperative to go back to the ecumenical basics

Dr Agnes Abuom, moderator of the World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee, was asked about the WCC executive committee meeting held on 17-23 May 2021. The WCC executive committee set a tone of hope for the future while, at the same time, addressing multiple global crises with statements, pastoral messages, and calls for prayer.

The transition to online programming and prayers during COVID-19 has challenged the WCC, and the rest of the world, Abuom found, and said is a “heavy burden” on all in the ecumenical family as the WCC prepares for its 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany next year.

27 May 2021