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World Health Day Prayer Sunday 7 April 2024

With the Ecumenical Prayer Cycle, we pray for the people and churches of Romania, Hungary and Bulgaria.

World Health Day is April 7 when the World Health Organization commemorates its 76th anniversary. This year the theme is 'My Health, My Right, which reminds us to advocate for equitable access to health services and work towards a healthier, more inclusive world.  

WCC Programmes

World Water Day 2024 events amplify WCC’s commitment to water for peace

The World Council of Churches (WCC) participated in three online events on 22 March, World Water Day, under the banner "Leveraging Water for Peace." These events, held in collaboration with various global partners, underscored the crucial intersection of faith, international perspectives, and the mission to build a sustainable Blue Community.

Seven Weeks for Water 2024, final refection: "Groaning earth needs resurrection through 'water of life'"

The last reflection of the Seven Weeks for Water 2024 series of the WCC Ecumenical Water Network is jointly written by Rev. Audra Hudson Stone and Jacob Stone. They argue that natural disasters are not natural anymore; rather, they are human-induced. These disasters are the groaning of the earth, which is drawing our attention to mend our ways. The Stones are hopeful that, as Jesus rose from the shackles of death, the mother earth, too, will rise from its despair, suffering, and death through the water of life”—Jesus Christ. To that end, we need to facilitate and practice resurrection” of the earth!

Advocacy and prophetic witness for metanoia

The Kanak concept of “Do Kamo: the authentic human in a permanent becoming”, emphasizes that true human nature is not a fixed state—not something one is born with, but rather an ongoing process of maturation. This is a metaphor for personal growth and transformation, as individuals let go of their past selves and embrace their true identities. This transformation symbolizes shedding our primitive natures and embracing the qualities and potentials of a Do Kamo.

Seven Weeks for Water 2024, week 5: "Amid rain and storms, discerning the signs of the times"

The fifth reflection of the Seven Weeks for Water 2024 series of the WCC Ecumenical Water Network is written by  Rev. Jane Stranz. In this reflection, she dwells on the text where Jesus calms a storm, while his disciples were panicked.  She calls for a conversion from relying on a God with magical powers to having faith in a God who calls us to take an active part in the miracle of overcoming fear. Jesus calls us to share in interpreting the signs of the times and take responsible action together for the kingdom.  A clarion call indeed in our advocacy for water justice and climate justice.

Climate emergency panel addresses how churches can respond with faith and hope

During a panel discussion at the meeting of three World Council of Churches (WCC) commissions on 5 March, speakers explored the theme Climate emergency—churches responding in faith and hope.” The panel was moderated by Archbishop Rev. Julio Murray Thompson, who also moderates the Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development, which organized the panel.

Seven Weeks for Water 2024, week 2: How can we drink from our own cisterns?

The second reflection of the Seven Weeks for Water 2024 series of the WCC Ecumenical Water Network is written by Rev. Vinod Victor, Anglican Church of Freiburg in Germany. In this reflection, he compares the water situation of early Palestine to that of today in the wake of the ongoing war in Gaza. He also asks how people can drink from their own cisterns when they are controlled by outsiders. 

Seven Weeks for Water 2024, week 1: Water for peace in the Middle East region

The first reflection of the Seven Weeks for Water 2024 series of the WCC Ecumenical Water Network is written by Dr Munib Younan,* bishop emeritus of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land and former president of the Lutheran World Federation. In this reflection, the author, as a Palestinian, in line with this year's theme of "leveraging water for peace,” reflects on Isaiah's promise of free water for the thirsty in the context of the ongoing Israeli war in Gaza that has worsened the water situation in Gaza to catastrophic levels.

WCC urges World Economic Forum to consider longer-term good of all people

As the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting commenced in Davos beginning 15 January, World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay urged the gathering to renew its commitment to multilateral cooperation for the longer-term good of all people. 

The forum is convening under the theme Rebuilding Trust.” 

Engaging climate justice: WCC Eco-School

Students who recently completed the WCC Eco School in Crete, Greece, took time to compile their reflections on how the experience helped them hone their messages and actions related to climate justice and a transition to green energy. This is first of a series of blog entries from Eco School students.

WCC urges faith leaders to advocate against fossil fuels at COP28 side event

Co-organized by Christian Aid and the All Africa Conference of Churches, an event at the Faith Pavilion of COP28 explored the crucial intersection of financing, ethics, human rights, and climate justice from a faith perspective, delving into the role of faith actors in mobilising communities and advocating for climate justice.