A delegation formed by the World Council of Churches (WCC), member churches, and ecumenical partners met with Cuban president Miguel Diaz Canél on 20 September, discussing the blockade and the harm it has done to the Cuban people, especially related to healthcare and health innovations in Cuba.
Prayers for unity took on a different look and feel this year, but they weren’t stopped by widespread restrictions on face-to-face gatherings. From prayer cards to personal reflections, online gatherings to new connections, the images worldwide convey the spiritual richness of an ecumenical family that came together in prayer.
As students gathered at the WCC Ecumenical Institute at Bossey for an interreligious summer school, they reflected on what brought them to the institute, and what knowledge and insights they will take home.
The 30th General Synod of the UCC, a member church of the WCC, has passed a resolution calling for a boycott and divestment from companies that profit in Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.
Continuing with a long-time commitment of the WCC, a recent statement issued by Council’s chief governing body reaffirms churches’ “solidarity with those working for peace with justice in Palestine and Israel”. The statement encourages churches to make responsible decisions regarding their investments which have an impact on the current situation in the region.
A reflection on the recent United Nations meeting on the Non-Proliferation Treaty, by Jonathan Frerichs, WCC programme executive for peace building and disarmament, and member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.