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Violence against Palestinians is rising in the West Bank

Despite the war, security concerns, and travel restrictions, the World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme for Palestine and Israel and the WCC Jerusalem Office continue to operate. Ecumenical accompaniers have observed increasing violence against Palestinians in the West Bank since October 7. 

WCC president opens with call to “put our faith in Christ Jesus and truly embrace ecumenism together on our way to the Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity”

The World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee opened its meeting on 8 November with the opening celebrations in the Cathedral Church of the Advent, with prayers, goodwill messages, and a sermon by WCC president from Africa His Holiness Most Rev. Dr Rufus Okikiola Ositelu, of the Church of the Lord (Prayer Fellowship) Worldwide. 

Ecumenical accompanier: “many Palestinians simply want to live a peaceful life”

Siad Ní Bhroin, from the EAPPI UK and Ireland team, served as an ecumenical accompanier in Bethlehem from 31 August to 7 October. The World Council of Churches Ecumenical Accompaniment Program in Palestine and Israel, based on an appeal from local church leaders to create an international presence in the country, accompanies the local people and communities, offering a protective presence and witnessing daily struggles and hopes. Below, a reflection on what she witnessed while in the field.

“Quieren vivir sin miedo ni acoso constante”

Máire Ní Mheibhric, de Galway (Irlanda), ejerció de acompañante ecuménica en el pueblo de Tubas, en la Ribera Occidental, entre el 31 de agosto y el 7 de octubre. También había sido acompañante ecuménica en 2019 en Hebrón. El Programa Ecuménico de Acompañamiento en Palestina e Israel del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI) –creado a raíz del llamado de los dirigentes de las iglesias locales al establecimiento de una presencia internacional en el país– acompaña a las poblaciones y comunidades locales ofreciéndoles su presencia protectora y siendo testigos tanto de sus dificultades cotidianas como de sus esperanzas. Bajo estas líneas, Ní Mheibhric reflexiona sobre lo que vio durante esas semanas como acompañante.

WCC guide raises awareness of obstetric fistula

A new guide published by the World Council of Churches (WCC) aims to raise awareness in churches and church communities of the role they can play in the prevention of the catastrophic condition of obstetric fistula, a childbirth injury usually caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without timely medical intervention. 

“The occupation can’t last forever”

Rev. Annica Anderbrant, from Sweden, served as an ecumenical accompanier near Jerusalem, from 31 August to 7 October. The World Council of Churches Ecumenical Accompaniment Program in Palestine and Israel, based on an appeal from local church leaders to create an international presence in the country, accompanies the local people and communities, offering protective presence and witnessing their daily struggles and hopes. Below, Anderbrant reflects on what she witnessed while in the field. 

“They want to live without fear and constant harassment”

ire Ní Mheibhric, from Galway, Ireland, served as an ecumenical accompanier in the village of Tubas, in the West Bank, from 31 August to 7 October. She also previously served as an ecumenical accompanier in 2019 in Hebron. The World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel, based on an appeal from local church leaders to create an international presence in the country, accompanies the local people and communities, offering protective presence and witnessing their daily struggles and hopes. Below, Ní Mheibhric reflects on what she witnessed while in the field.

Indignación en el CMI por el ataque sobre el hospital de Gaza: la organización reclama justicia y respeto por la dignidad humana

El Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI) ha expresado su indignación y sorpresa ante la noticia del bombardeo del hospital gazatí de Al-Ahli. “Miles de palestinos que ya habían perdido sus hogares habían buscado refugio en el hospital, gestionado por la Iglesia Anglicana”, declaró el secretario general del CMI, el Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay; “el ataque equivale a un castigo colectivo, que constituye un crimen de guerra según el Derecho Internacional”.

Kids Feel Safe Going to School when EAs are Present

Igor Galvão, from Brazil, served as an ecumenical accompanier in Jerusalems Old City from 31 August to 7 October. The World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel, based on an appeal from local church leaders to create an international presence in the country, accompanies the local people and communities, offering protective presence and witnessing their daily struggles and hopes. Below, Galvão reflects on what he witnessed while in the field, and on the work ahead.