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The WCC Executive Committee Statement: Attacks and Persecution of Christian Communities in Asia

Throughout history, religious communities living in contexts in which other religions predominate have been among the most vulnerable groups in society. In many parts of the world today, Christians in such contexts are among the most persecuted communities. With the Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace (PJP) focus on Asia this year, we observe the challenges faced by Christian communities in several countries and territories in this region.

Executive committee

WCC leads exploration on racial justice

“Think about your policies, practices and actions, not to just look back at the past, but to ask what can we do today?” These are the reflections of Judith Roberts, director for Racial Justice Ministries for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.

WCC pilgrimage turns its eyes to Asia

“Our churches are directly involved in upholding the dignity and rights of people and communities in Asia irrespective of their religious or faith identities”, said Matthews George Chunakara, general secretary of the Christian Conference of Asia, at the opening of the annual meeting of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace Reference Group, in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on 4 March.

Dr Cecile De Sweemer, the doer of God

Dr Cecile De Sweemer, who served as staff of the Christian Medical Commission of the World Council of Churches (WCC) from 1982 to 1986, died on the 27 November in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). De Sweemer, a Belgian medical doctor with a doctorate in International Health from Johns Hopkins University, with extensive experience in Asia and Africa, was a dedicated and compassionate physician.

Bishop John Victor Samuel

Letter from WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit to the family of Bishop John Victor Samuel, one of the pioneers of the Church of Pakistan, paying tribute to his commitment for peace, unity and harmony, and his tireless work for interfaith relations, as well as for the unity of Christians in Pakistan and beyond.

General Secretary

WCC mourns death of Bishop John Victor Samuel

Bishop John Victor Samuel, age 87, one of the pioneers of the Church of Pakistan and a towering ecumenical stalwart, passed away in Multan, Pakistan on 30 August. His funeral was held in Multan on 2 September.

Water and the human right to food

Water is a key resource both to provide drinking water and to generate food and energy for a growing world population. A fifth of the global population lives in regions affected by water stress - in regions where more water is used than can naturally be recharged.

WCC promotes Global Day of Prayer to End Famine

The World Council of Churches, World Evangelical Alliance and All Africa Conference of Churches, along with church-related humanitarian organizations and a coalition of church-related networks and organizations and partners, are promoting 10 June as the second annual Global Day of Prayer to End Famine to be observed in faith congregations worldwide.

Le COE promeut la Journée mondiale de prière pour mettre fin à la famine

Le Conseil œcuménique des Églises (COE), l'Alliance évangélique mondiale et la Conférence des Églises de toute l'Afrique, aux côtés d'organisations humanitaires confessionnelles et d'une coalition de partenaires, d'organisations et de réseaux d'Églises, assurent la promotion de la deuxième Journée mondiale de prière pour mettre fin à la famine. Tous appellent à ce que cette journée soit observée au sein des communautés de foi à travers le monde, et ce, le 10 juin prochain.

In the ecumenical movement to stay

Since a small scholarship got her involved in the ecumenical movement, Sana Jennifer’s future has been staked out. She started as a bishop’s secretary and office administrator at the Diocese of Raiwind, Church of Pakistan, in Lahore three years ago and was appointed youth programme coordinator this year.

Aiming for unity within diversity in Asia

When the Asia Ecumenical Youth Assembly (AEYA) kicked off in Manado, Indonesia on the 6 April, it was the first such gathering in 34 years. More than 350 youth from 23 countries across Asia came together to address pertinent issues in today’s globalized world.

Bishop Helga - diaconal apostle

This year it is five hundred years since the Reformation. This has been commemorated throughout the year. A lot has happened in the world. The Reformation is ongoing in churches around the world. Discussions are constantly held about how a church should be today and how to reach out with the gospel. WCC News meets Bishop Helga Haugland Byfuglien this year, one of the most experienced and prominent women among Lutheran bishops in the world.

Évêque Helga Haugland Byfuglien - apôtre diaconal

Cette année, cela fait cinq cents ans que la Réforme a eu lieu. Toute cette année a été marquée par des commémorations. De nombreux évènements ont eu lieu dans le monde. La Réforme se poursuit dans les Églises. Constamment, des discussions ont lieu sur ce que doit être une Église aujourd'hui et sur la manière de toucher les gens au moyen de l’Évangile. Nouvelles du COE a rencontré cette année l'évêque Helga Haugland Byfuglien, l'une des femmes éminentes les plus expérimentées parmi les évêques luthériens dans le monde.