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A 27 August webinar, “Remembering Past Massacres: Honoring the Legacy and Resilience of Victims,” focused on the continent of Africa, bringing stories of great pain but ending with hope for healing and honoring the victims.

Absorbing Philip Potter’s profoundly simple direction for the ecumenical movement—“only connect”—those gathered for an online tribute to the former World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary tapped into the still-growing legacy of a remarkable man.

The World Council of Churches (WCC) has paid tribute to its former general secretary, Rev. Dr Philip Potter, who was born on 19 August 1921, and led the council from 1972 to 1984, a time of global religious and socio-political change.

A webinar on 27 August entitled “Remembering Past Massacres: Honoring the Legacy and Resilience of Victims” will focus on Africa.

Stephen Brown is editor of The Ecumenical Review. Below, he reflects on the legacy of Phillip Potter, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary from 1972 to 1984. An upcoming webinar on 23 August will commemorate the 100th anniversary of Potter’s birth, as well as introduce him to a new ecu-menical generation, that they may be inspired by his legacy, his passion, his commitment, his spirituality and his love for the Bible.

Thursdays in Black ambassadors are organizing a series of Bible studies, beginning 5 August, that will help people reflect on and respond to gender-based violence. The first series of 6 reflections is being launched to recognize National Women’s Month in South Africa, and particularly Women’s Day in the country – August 9.

Church leaders in South Africa and Zimbabwe are participating in online workshops on “Churches and Child Safeguarding” on 3 and 5 August. Part of the World Council of Churches (WCC) partnership program with UNICEF, “Churches’ Commitments to Children,” the workshops are designed to nurture churches where children feel welcome and safe.

A 12 July statement from the South African Council of Churches notes with deep concern the violence and destruction of property that is engulfing the nation. “This violence is resulting in untold suffering,” the statement reads.

“Living Christ’s love as part of His body in Africa is taking responsibility of peacebuilding, addressing injustice and its root causes.” This was the resolve of church leaders in Africa as they reflected on how churches in the continent are living the upcoming World Council of Churches (WCC) assembly theme “Christ’s love moves the world to reconciliation and unity.”

More than 140 people met online in a spontaneous “Gathering in Grief” to mourn Rev. Phumzile Mabizela, who passed away the morning of on 5 July. Mabizela was the executive director of INERELA+ (the International Network of Religious Leaders Living with or Personally Affected by HIV), co-moderator of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance HIV Campaign Strategy Group and a member of the International Reference Group of WCC Ecumenical HIV and AIDS Initiatives and Advocacy.

The World Council of Churches joined 106 faith-based and civil society organizations in signing a joint statement entitled “Building Back Better For Stateless People”, with the launch taking place on 6 July to coincide with the UN Refugee Agency’s Standing Committee Meeting.

The Religious Forum Against COVID-19 in South Africa issued a statement with faith leaders standing in solidarity in response to COVID-19, and with a broader objective of collaborating in making for a safer South African environment.

With 124 of 155 central committee members and presidents from around the world present, the WCC central committee convened to advance preparations for the 11th WCC Assembly, taking place in 2022 in Karlsruhe, Germany under the theme “Christ’s love moves the world to reconciliation and unity.” The central committee also addressed membership matters and strengthened the WCC fellowship through prayer and sharing. 

Zambia’s founding president, Kenneth Kaunda, passed away at the age of 97. He led his country for 27 years and championed Africa's struggles against apartheid and HIV.

More than 100 young people attended a 16 June webinar, “My Home, My Future,” hosted by the All Africa Conference of Churches, finding both inspiration and determination from speakers and from each other. 

Rev. Dr Fidon Mwombeki, general secretary of the All Africa Conference of Churches, explained the deep meaning of the theme. “Africa is our home and Africa is our future," he said. “There is no better place.”