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Impact of climate change: women and children bearing the brunt

From 2020 to 2021, more than 50 million people were displaced due to weather events and faced risks of trafficking and even death as well as discrimination based on race and gender. This finding emerged from the report of Ian Fry, special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change, to the 53rd session of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva from 19 June-14 July.

03 July 2023

Kirchentag scarf with the theme for 2023, "Jetzt ist die Zeit"

German Protestant Kirchentag opens in Nuremberg

With the topics of the war in Ukraine and climate protection as the focal points, the 38th German Protestant Kirchentag takes place in Nuremberg, Germany from 7 to 11 June. The World Council of Churches’ presence in the Kirchentag’s exhibition space “Market of Opportunities” (hall 9, stand 9-C32) enables lively encounters and an opportunity to learn more about the ecumenical movement.

09 June 2023

Activists call attention to climate change during a protest at the World Council of Churches' 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany.

Specialized ministries roundtable: “we need each other more than ever before”

Leaders from specialized ministries who gathered for a high-level roundtable with the World Council of Churches (WCC) on 16 May reflected on how the ecumenical fellowship can tackle complex and difficult issues with theological reasoning and concrete actions.

22 May 2023

Blog post

From exhaustion to excitement—to hope

A reflection originally shared at the "Working Together" meeting between the World Council of Churches and specialized ministries, convened 3-4 May in Bossey, Switzerland.

15 May 2023

Marie Anne Sliwinski

All Africa Conference of Churches sets sights on growth, harmony, and praying for peace

Rev. Dr Fidon Mwombeki, general secretary of the All Africa Conference of Churches, reflects below on the biggest challenges facing churches in Africa, and hopes for the future.

27 April 2023

Refugees from Zimbabwe and other African countries pray during evening worship at the Central Methodist Church in Johannesburg, South Africa, Photo: Paul Jeffrey/Life on Earth Pictures

Africa-Europe Ecumenical Forum on Migration finds “churches need to embrace role as safe spaces”

During an Africa-Europe Ecumenical Forum on Migration, held 15-19 March In Hamburg, Germany, nearly 60 people gathered to discuss, among many other issues, the negative effects of “irregular” migration, caused in part by the growth of inequality within and between countries.

21 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

Prof. Jace Pillay reflects on importance of churches in upholding children’s rights

Prof. Jace Pillay, South African research chair for Education and Care in Childhood at the University of Johannesburg, reflected on the importance of churches in ensuring the rights of children.

Twin brother of World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, Jace Pillay noted that South Africa has very good policies with regard to children’s rights —but in many areas those policies exist only on paper, as they are not implemented.

14 March 2023

Algorithms: harmful or helpful? Faith-based groups can work to decrease the digital divide

Can we increase our knowledge of how algorithms work? Can faith-based groups help close the digital divide? A webinar on 9 March, offered a way forward in an area that sometimes seems ruled by untouchable artificial intelligence.

09 March 2023

Ecumenical theology at chapel, classroom, and office: Odair Pedroso Mateus reflects on serving the WCC

Rev. Dr Odair Pedroso Mateus began to teach at the Bossey Ecumenical Institute in 2004 and joined the World Council of Churches (WCC) in 2007. Most recently he served as WCC interim deputy general secretary and Faith and Order director. Below, he reflects on his fondest memories, accomplishments, and hopes.

08 February 2023

WCC mourns loss of Omega Chilufya Bula, who opened doors of opportunity for many

The World Council of Churches (WCC) joins The United Church of Canada and many other churches and peoples across the world who are mourning the death of Omega Chilufya Bula, a beloved justice leader, sister, elder, pioneer, mentor, friend, and colleague.

03 February 2023

9th Annual Symposium on the Role of Religion and Faith-Based Organizations in International Affairs

Symposium explores how religious communities can be agents of change in securing wellbeing and sustainability

More than 600 people attended the Ninth Annual Symposium on the Role of Religion and Faith-based Organizations in International Affairs, held online on 24 January. Exploring the theme “Securing People’s Wellbeing and Planetary Sustainability,” the symposium was organized by the World Council of Churches (WCC) and a coalition of faith-based and UN partners. The event featured UN officials, representatives of international faith-based organizations, and other experts on climate change, disarmament, and other relevant topics.

26 January 2023

Blog post

Reflections on COP27

A reflection on my fist day at COP27 – a perspective from a young Sami Christian from Norway.

17 November 2022

Kristoffer Strand

Blog post

Young people “radically impatient” as climate talks continue

Radically impatient. This is a common sentiment among young people across different backgrounds and regions of the world, criticizing the ongoing inaction of many world leaders, people of power and influence, including the church, on the issue of the climate emergency.

10 November 2022

Joy Eva Bohol

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

WCC expresses gratitude for work of Archbishop Dr Antje Jackelén as she continues her journey

World Council of Churches (WCC) acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca expressed gratitude for the work of Archbishop Dr Antje Jackelén, primate of the Church of Sweden, as she moves on from her years of service.

30 October 2022

African churches and humanitarian agencies urge foreign debt suspension to help countries tackle drought crisis

As a severe drought triggered a humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa, churches and several humanitarian organizations there urged foreign debt suspension to enable the countries to tackle the catastrophe.

13 October 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