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Assembly communicators reunite to look back—and step forward—together

Nearly 50 of 140 communicators who worked together at the World Council of Churches (WCC) 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany, in 2022 held an online reunion on 10 April, taking a fun look back at their fondest memories—and a serious look forward on how artificial intelligence is affecting their work. 

As girls use technology to grow stronger, “Confidence is your superpower”

From sports to rocket science, from art to family relationships, young people at a webinar on 16 March spoke out on why they want and need safe, accessible technology to realize their dreams.

The speakers, ages 7-17, were young women and men who clearly articulated their aspirations, and also communicated what the adults in their lives need to provide not just in the future—but right now.

On Korean Peninsula, “the churches and the country need reconciliation and unity”

Rev. Dr Hyunju Bae represents the Presbyterian Church of Korea on the World Council of Churches central and executive committees and serves on the WCC Gender Advisory Group. She is a former professor of New Testament Studies at the Busan Presbyterian University, Republic of Korea, and now a co-president of the Korea Christian Environmental Movement Solidarity for Integrity of Creation.  Below, she reflects on a recent prayer vigil for peace, as well as other ecumenical activities in South Korea.

In Baden, Ökumenetag sparks inspiration for lead-up to WCC 11th Assembly

An Ecumenical Day on 16 October brought music, prayers, and workshops for many gathered in Bad-Herrenalb, Germany, on the occasion of the annual conference of the National Council of Churches in Baden-Württemberg. The World Council of Churches (WCC) brought greetings and a preview of the upcoming WCC 11th Assembly as well.

Historic symposium will examine communication for social justice in a digital age

An upcoming international symposium, scheduled for 13-15 September, will explore some key questions to help us map a more just digital future, a future that increasingly calls for deeper reflection and new thinking in philosophy, ethics, jurisprudence, and theology,” said World Council of Churches (WCC) acting general secretary Rev. Prof Dr Ioan Sauca.

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.

Communication for Social Justice in a Digital Age

13 - 15 September 2021

This symposium will focus on the impact of digital transformation on communities and societies, and the actions needed to secure a just and inclusive digital future. Bringing together research, experiences from different regions and communities, expert input, and ethical and theological reflection, it will identify opportunities for action as a contribution to the 11th assembly of the World Council of Churches.

Berlin and worldwide, 9-17:00 each day, CEST Timezone

Driven by God’s grace and a sense of duty

When Rev. Dr Antje Jackelén became its first female archbishop in 2014, a major milestone was reached in the history of the Church of Sweden. It took 850 years and 69 male predecessors to get there. Jackelén also happens to be the first immigrant, at least in modern times, to occupy the highest chair of her church. That, however, she regards as a coincidence of lesser significance. For her, as a devoted Christian, the baptism matters more than the passport.