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“Circle of Prayer” reverberates out from Dover—to the world

When COVID-19 brought its dark cloud of sickness, fear, and anxiety to his corner of the UK, Rev. Harvey Richardson decided to embrace his friends with the light of prayer.

21 February 2024

Trailblazers kick off 16 Days Against Gender-Based Violence with stories of resilience

Stories and deep insights, prayers, and even challenging questions about the future marked the kickoff of 16 Days Against Gender-Based Violence on 25 November with a webinar featuring trailblazers who have successfully intervened to bring about justice and equality across the world.

28 November 2023

Beginning soon: 16 Days against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

Mark your calendar now for events during the campaign 16 Days Against Gender-Based Violence, which will begin 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and end 10 December, Human Rights Day.

21 November 2023

Greetings pour in to commemorate WCC’s 75th anniversary

The World Council of Churches (WCC) has been fielding a growing number of greetings and reflections as it continues to observe its 75th anniversary.

22 September 2023

WCC general secretary to Patriarch Kirill: “the war in Ukraine must come to an end”

Exclusive interview: World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay shares details on a recent meeting with Patriarch Kirill, including topics discussed at the meeting, what the WCC contributed to the dialogue, and steps forward.

25 May 2023

protrait photo of Rev. Dr Mikie Roberts, WCC programme executive for Spiritual Life

Barbados Gospelfest will express churches’ affirmation and celebration of persons with disabilities

The upcoming Barbados Gospelfest, set for 21-28 May, will express churches’ affirmation and celebration of persons with disabilities in musical and other creative ways.

17 May 2023

Jesus on the cross pictured close to a green wall.

WCC Easter message: Christ makes all things new

World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay shares an Easter message of hope and renewal, reflecting on the moment when Jesus Christ, on the cross cries: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

31 March 2023

Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata: “God summons us to take action that is hope giving”

Below, Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, World Council of Churches (WCC) director of Public Witness and Diakonia, reflects on the relevance of ecumenical diakonia and public witness today.

16 March 2023

On International Women’s Day, award-winning church sign language interpreter urges space for deaf women

At the St Andrew’s Presbyterian of Church East Africa in Nairobi, Judy Kihumba is the voice between the hearing and the deaf worlds in one of Kenya’s oldest churches.

08 March 2023

Historic First Session of the Permanent Forum for People of African Descent convenes, addresses Racism, Afrophobia and Reparatory Justice

An ecumenical delegation composed of five members from the National Baptist Convention USA Inc, United Methodist Church; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and United Church of Christ attended the first session of the Permanent Forum for People of African Descent, a historic event that constitutes the culmination of several years of consistent advocacy.

15 December 2022

the All Africa Theological Education by Extension Association 5th Quadrennial Conference in Kigali, Rwanda, 24-28 October

Theological education in Africa promotes social transformation

A Theological Education by Extension programme in Africa aims to reach many people who can collectively drive social transformation. This was affirmed during the All Africa Theological Education by Extension Association 5th Quadrennial Conference in Kigali, Rwanda, 24-28 October.

03 November 2022

Kathryn Lohre (right) with Rev. Nicqi Ashwood (left), WCC Program Executive of the Just Community of Women and Men, and Dr Agnes Abuom (center), former moderator of the WCC Central Committee, Photo: Courtesy of Kathryn Lohre

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America looks back on WCC assembly as “a beautiful reunion”

To the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, relationships are at the heart of its membership in the World Council of Churches (WCC).

06 October 2022

Statement: public statement

Listen to a book talk: “Journey in Servanthood: The DNA of a Confident Church”

A new recording of a book talk from the World Council of Churches (WCC) 11th Assembly is available for those who want to learn more about the publication “Journey in Servanthood: The DNA of a Confident Church.”

28 September 2022

Document

Statement on Confronting Racism and Xenophobia, Overcoming Discrimination, Ensuring Belonging

Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness (Genesis 1:26)

The World Council of Churches, at its 11th assembly, in Karlsruhe, Germany, abhors the perpetuation of all forms of racism, xenophobia and related discriminations against humanity and the pervasive suffering it causes.

16 September 2022

Assembly

A woman sings during a joint opening prayer for pre-assemblies

Choose the power of love: Pre-Assemblies deliver powerful calls

Karlsruhe, a city built over 300 hundred years ago without walls, open to friends and guests —at a time where other cities still hid behind their fortifications —welcomed people from all over the world to four pre-assemblies that are bringing forward powerful calls to the 11^thAssembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC).

31 August 2022

Women joining hands in the Walk of Peace

WCC pre-assemblies will convene to harvest honest reflections, meaningful messages

Four World Council of Churches (WCC) pre-assemblies are about to convene, drawing hundreds of people eager to, in a safe space, share their honest reflections and life challenges. The pre-assemblies include Indigenous Peoples, Ecumenical Youth Gathering, Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network, and Just Community of Women and Men.

25 August 2022

WCC celebrates life of Sarah Newland Martin, courageous change-maker

The World Council of Churches (WCC) is mourning the death of Sarah Newland Martin, known for her lifetime of advocacy for persons with disabilities, for her leadership with the YMCA and Jamaica Baptist Union, and her ecumenical bridge-building.

12 June 2022

Candlelight vigil for peace in the Korean Peninsula, part of "A Light of Peace" campaign sponsored by the World Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches of Korea December 2017, Photo: Paul Jeffrey/WCC

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.

30 May 2022