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In a wide ranging discussion at the Geneva-based World Council of Churches (WCC) the UN secretary general, H.E. Ban Ki-Moon and WCC general secretary, Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia found agreement for the two world bodies to work more closely on several global issues, particularly climate change.

Presided by an African woman, with a membership that includes three youth, eight women, four Orthodox and a strong representation from the South, the search committee for a new World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary has already begun to work.

By Walt Wiltschek (*)

The church has an important role to play if Kenya is to achieve peace and stability for the future, several speakers said Friday. The African nation has seen significant violence over the past two months in the wake of presidential elections, killing nearly 1,000 people and forcing some 300,000 others to flee their homes. "We believe that for Kenya and Africa, church unity and ecumenical cooperation is not just an optional alternative", said Rev. Dr Mvume Dandala, general secretary of the All Africa Conference of Churches, which is based in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi. "Sometimes the churches have to work hard if they are to be relevant". Eden Grace, a member of the Friends (Quakers) who was based in the city of Kisumu until the violence erupted and forced her to evacuate, said the church "has to have a role in restoring the ability of Kenyans to live side by side". The WCC Central Committee is expected to consider one or more public issues statements related to Kenya during their meetings in Geneva, which conclude 20 February. For more information on a recent WCC ecumenical solidarity visit to Kenya, go to http://overcomingviolence.org/index.php?id=5524 .

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In Burundi, where democratic elections in 2005 fostered hopes for peace and democracy, recent crime and violence has caused the churches there to fear for the nation's stability. An ecumenical delegation led by former Mozambique president, Joaquim Chissano, visited the central African country at the invitation of the National Council of Churches in Burundi, 28-31 January. Chissano has gained international recognition for a successful disarmament programme in Mozambique.

By Fredrick Nzwili*

By Fredrick Nzwili (*)

As Kenyan churches are struggling to help prevent the country from descending into genocide, they envision a long term healing effort that will require the sustained engagement of international ecumenical partners.

Celebrating a 60th birthday for some is a milestone marked by visions of retirement - celebrating achievements and dreaming of new endeavours. The WCC, however, on its 60th "birthday" in 2008 does not want to rest on past feats as it looks ahead to the challenges of the 21st century. The largest, most inclusive fellowship of churches in the world, and the pre-eminent face of 20th century ecumenism, is grappling with a very different world today - politically, economically, religiously - than the one it faced following the second world war.

A round table on the meaning of prayer for unity in situations of conflict and distress and an ecumenical celebration gathering Genevan churches marked the 100th anniversary of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity at the headquarters of the World Council of Churches (WCC) on Sunday, 20 January.

[Joint release with the Association of Churches and Christian Communities of Geneva.]

The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia has called on Kenyan political leaders to keep moving towards dialogue while praising the countries' churches for their role in peacemaking.