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WCC gravely concerned by attacks on Lebanon

World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed deep sadness and grave concern over the escalating violence and attacks on Lebanon. As followers of Christ and stewards of peace, we reaffirm our commitment to justice and the protection of human dignity and lives,” he said. We unequivocally condemn the use of violence, particularly in civilian areas, which has caused immense suffering, destruction, and the tragic loss of life.”

Bossey graduates celebrate the joy of dialogue

As six graduates from the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey received their Master of Advanced Studies in Ecumenical Studies certificates, they celebrated the joy of dialogue in a spiritual haven that will imprint the rest of their lives.

Statement on the Escalating Crisis in Gaza

The executive committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC), meeting in Bogotá, Colombia, on 6 to 11 June 2024, lifts up the suffering of the civilian population of Gaza in the midst of the ongoing attacks in the territory, with a death toll now surpassing 36,000 people, over two-thirds of them children and women, more than 83% of the population displaced (in most cases repeatedly), the complete destruction of medical, educational, and other civilian infrastructure, with more than 50% of homes destroyed, leaving over one million people homeless. 

Executive committee

His Beatitude Anastasios shares message of resilience and courage

His Beatitude Anastasios, archbishop of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania, shares a message for the World Council of Churches (WCC) global fellowship, between the Orthodox Easter and Pentecost. In todays world, the message notes: The invoking of Christs name has no place in plans of political expediency and oppression of individuals and peoples.”

Anastasios, an honorary member of the Academy of Athens and a former WCC president, with more than six decades in the ecumenical movement, is known as a herald of peace and wisdom in inter-religious and international circles. 

As International Court of Justice hearings commence, WCC calls on “all responsible members of the international community to respect and implement the ICJ rulings”

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay marked 11 January as a significant moment for justice and the rule of law,” as public hearings commenced in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on allegations against the State of Israel of violations of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. 

WCC general secretary statement on public hearings in the International Court of Justice on allegations against the State of Israel

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay marked 11 January as a significant moment for justice and the rule of law,” as public hearings commenced in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on allegations against the State of Israel of violations of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. 

General Secretary

Kinder fühlen sich auf Schulweg sicher, wenn ökumenische Begleitpersonen da sind

Igor Galvão aus Brasilien war vom 31. August bis 7. Oktober als ökumenische Begleitperson in der Altstadt von Jerusalem tätig. Das Ökumenische Begleitprogramm in Palästina und Israel (EAPPI) des Ökumenischen Rates der Kirchen (ÖRK), das auf die Bitte der örtlichen Kirchenleitungen, eine internationale Präsenz in dem Land zu schaffen, hin ins Leben gerufen wurde, begleitet Menschen und Gemeinwesen vor Ort; es bietet ihnen durch die internationale Präsenz Schutz und vermittelt ihnen das Gefühl, mit ihren alltäglichen Probleme und Hoffnungen nicht allein zu sein. Im Folgenden spricht Galvão über das, was er vor Ort erlebt hat, und über die anstehende Arbeit.

„Besetzung kann nicht ewig dauern“

Pastorin Annica Anderbrant aus Schweden war vom 31. August bis 7. Oktober in der Nähe von Jerusalem als ökumenische Begleitperson im Einsatz. Das Ökumenische Begleitprogramm in Palästina und Israel (EAPPI) des Ökumenischen Rates der Kirchen (ÖRK), das auf die Bitte der örtlichen Kirchenleitungen, eine internationale Präsenz in dem Land zu schaffen, hin ins Leben gerufen wurde, begleitet Menschen und Gemeinwesen vor Ort; es bietet ihnen durch die internationale Präsenz Schutz und vermittelt ihnen das Gefühl, mit ihren alltäglichen Probleme und Hoffnungen nicht allein zu sein. Im Folgenden berichtet Anderbrant über das, was sie vor Ort erlebt hat.

“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.