Search results

In South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the peace and reconciliation work of pastors, priests and lay Christians remains critical for the people, as the global church and ecumenical groups amplify their concerns over the complex but separate conflicts in the two African countries.

In conjunction with the International Day of Human Fraternity, the World Council of Churches, Pax Christi Northern California, and Soka Gakkai International issued a joint statement, entitled “A Plea for Preserving Our Shared Humanity,” that expresses concern over the insidious development of weapons systems that lack meaningful human control.

A group of German ecumenical activists including former WCC general secretary Konrad Raiser has criticised the German government for its failure to support the United Nations treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons. “It has become clear to many people in recent months that nuclear weapons do not offer lasting security and protection, but remain a continuing threat to humanity and creation,” the ecumenical activists said in an appeal published in Berlin on 20 February, referring to the stand-off between the United States and North Korea.

Christians from throughout the world want it known that they believe the decision of US President Donald Trump to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel is a serious blow to efforts for a just and sustainable peace in the Holy Land, and risks provoking further conflict in the region.

Los cristianos de todo el mundo quieren hacer saber que creen que la decisión del presidente de EE.UU., Donald Trump, de reconocer Jerusalén como capital del Estado de Israel es un duro golpe para los esfuerzos por una paz justa y sostenible en Tierra Santa, y existe el riesgo de que provoque más conflictos en la región.

In a statement issued 6 December, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit expressed grave concern over President Trump’s announcement that the United States will recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

En una declaración publicada el 6 de diciembre, el secretario general del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias, Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, expresó su profunda preocupación por el anuncio del presidente de los Estados Unidos, Donald Trump, de que los Estados Unidos reconocerán Jerusalén como capital de Israel.

Banning nuclear weapons is something like climbing a mountain. The summit of this mountain – agreement on a ban treaty – is now clearly in view at United Nations negotiations in New York.

At an International Peace Consultation on 20 June, the National Coalition of Christian Organizations in Palestine issued on open letter to the WCC and the ecumenical movement, stating, “There is still no justice in our land.” In today’s Palestine, discrimination and inequality, military occupation and systematic oppression are the rule, the letter states: “Today, we stand in front of an impasse and we have reached a deadlock. Despite all the promises, endless summits, UN resolutions, religious and lay leader’s callings – Palestinians are still yearning for their freedom and independence, and seeking justice and equality.”

En una consulta internacional por la paz celebrada el 20 de junio, la Coalición Nacional de Organizaciones Cristianas de Palestina remitió una carta abierta al CMI y al movimiento ecuménico afirmando que “todavía no hay justicia en nuestra tierra”.

Are steps needed now in case high-tech weapons of the future are designed to attack and kill on their own? Members of a United Nations treaty on inhumane weapons have decided an expert group will deliberate on the topic next year, and WCC has joined with civil society organizations and concerned governments for plans to ban such weapons.

Governments should capitalize on years of growing concern and negotiate a ban on nuclear weapons next year, the World Council of Churches (WCC) said in an inter-religious call at the United Nations on 12 October. Speaking on behalf of Christian, Buddhist and Muslim organizations, Dr Emily Welty urged delegates to “negotiate a legally-binding instrument prohibiting nuclear weapons”.