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 As a part of the reception process of the convergence document The Church: Towards a Common Vision (TCTCV), the ecclesiology study group of the WCC Commission on Faith and Order undertook a wide range of conversations on global Christianity and ecclesiology. This  included perspectives from various regions (especially Asia, Africa, and Latin America), denominational families (such as evangelical, Pentecostal, Charismatic, and independent churches), and forms of being church (such as ecclesial movements, new forms of monasticism, and online churches) which have not always been clearly or strongly represented in the discussions on the way to TCTCV. 

This first of two volumes offers a taste of the insights, contributions, lively dialogue, diverse perspectives, and mutual exchange of ecumenical gifts between the members of the commission and theologians from  around the world, which took place through a series of international consultations between 2015-22.

The fruit of this work is offered with the hope that it will contribute towards a clearer, global vision of the Church in the 21st century.

The WCC, the Protestant Church in Germany and the United Evangelical Mission, initiated a two-year process of ecumenical study and reflection on the relationship between human dignity and human rights from biblical, theological, and victims’ perspectives, culminating in a Conference on Christian Perspectives on Human Dignity and Humans Rights held in Wuppertal (Germany) and online from 9–12 April 2022.

This publication consists of papers received from theologians, people with different academic backgrounds, experts in ethics and human rights, and human rights defenders—together with the joint message of the conference participants.

The result of the work of an international group drawn from different regions and confessional traditions, the text is intended as a resource for churches and Christians worldwide in advance of the WCC’s 11th Assembly, to take place in Karlsruhe, Germany, from 31 August to 8 September 2022. It offers biblical and theological reflections on the assembly theme, inspired by a biblical verse – “For the love of Christ urges us on” (2 Cor. 5:14) – against the backdrop of critical issues confronting churches and humanity as a whole. The text is available initially in four languages – English, French, German, and Spanish.

Based on the premise that the local congregation is the primary agent for healing, and each individual member has a unique gift to contribute to this healing ministry, this book provides guidelines, resources and tools to equip and support local Christian congregations in starting a sustainable health ministry.

It provides a theological and public health basis of the Health Promoting Churches (HPC) model and a guide on organizing the HPC programme sustainably.

A dozen theologians from across regions and confessions offer Bible studies for individuals, groups, and congregations to understand and address the vital personal, social, and religious concerns raised for and by stateless persons and their plight.

Often perceived as conservative and rigid, the churches have sometimes been barriers to people’s claiming their sexuality. Yet, in their response to the crisis posed by AIDS and HIV, Christian churches have also often challenged harmful cultural practices and surmounted that stereotype. Focusing on sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), especially in African settings, this volume seeks to identify and cultivate the positive, indeed liberating, role that the churches must play.

A short history of the premier institute for ecumenical studies, fully updated for Bossey’s 70th anniversary. Updated Edition.

Lodged in an 18th-century château overlooking Lac Léman and the Alps, the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, Switzerland, is the premier site for ecumenical encounter and study.

Begun even before the inauguration of the World Council of Churches, during 70 years Bossey has drawn thousands of women and men from all over the world and every Christian confession and culture for seminars, conferences, and, since 1952, for its graduate school of ecumenical studies.  Its communal life and learning have changed the lives of many people and made it a true laboratory for new forms of ecumenical life.

This brief yet lively history of Bossey, penned by Hans-Ruedi Weber and updated by Robert K. Welsh, delves into the roots and evolution of Bossey and its programmes,  its place in the whole ecumenical movement,  and the people who have invested creative energy into its growth and flourishing.  The Story of Bossey reveals not only a life-changing venue for Christian encounter but a lens on the rapidly changing landscape of the larger church, the ecumenical movement, and indeed the world.

“Moltmann’s The Living God and the Fullness of Life reflects the beauty and joy of the mystery of life given, sustained, and loved by God as a brilliant cut gem glitters in the light of the sun. As the many facets of the brilliance let the light shine in many beams, the different chapters of the book offer glimpses of the fullness of life in the presence of the triune God.”—Martin Robra, World Council of Churches

Legacy and Future

A Jubilee Volume—
The approaching 500th anniversary of the beginning of the European Reformation occasions this feast of historical, theological and even pastoral insights.

Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem!—

The symbolic axis of the world, the birthplace of great religious traditions, the ancient site and contemporary center of mighty contention, Jerusalem evokes fascination, devotion, and deep pain. Clare Amos’s lifelong engagement with the city, its people, and its history yields this loving yet insightful view of the city’s dynamic identity.

In an era in which life itself is imperilled, Christians around the world are challenged to authentic witness to the God of life and to justice and peace. Ecumenical Visions, prepared as a core resource for theological education and reflection in advance of the 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, equips Christians to discern and develop relevant and responsible insights in many arenas of Christian engagement.

The essential writings of Philip A. Potter, a charismatic and visionary ecumenist. Includes key writings, many previously unpublished pieces and a complete bibliography and extensive biographical materials

A pivotal figure in the ecumenical movement and in world Christianity during the last 50 years, Philip Potter brought charismatic personality, moral energy and prophetic insight to his leadership of the World Council of Churches in a time of religious and socio-political turmoil.

The global phenomenon of migration—with more than 200 million people now living away from their countries of origin—poses tremendous personal, cultural, economic, and religious challenges. How can Christians and Christian churches best understand and respond to migration? What changes and challenges do today’s migrations signify for the churches themselves? AVAILABLE JMARCH 2015

In an age of global threats to human health—including, most devastatingly, HIV and AIDS—it is time for Christians to ask: what is the role of faith in healing?

The Just Peace Companion is a guide for individuals and groups to come together around the notion and practice of Just Peace, a holistic approach to peacemaking and social justice.

The prophetic potential of global Christianity— Spanning the continents, three internationally respected theologians here demonstrate how the thought and legacy of Martin Luther can serve in an ecumenical and interfaith context as a resource for a radical yet helpful critique of global economics and contemporary culture.

Exploring different aspects of the current economic system and proposing alternatives, 14 leading Christian economists, theologians, ethicists and sociologists grapple with the failures of our financial system to tackle inequality, poverty and ecological destruction.