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Christ’s Love (Re)moves Borders – GETI 2022 in images

GETI 2022, the third global iteration of a Global Ecumenical Theological Institute, brought together some 100 young theologians from across the globe for six weeks of intense ecumenical sharing and learning – first online for four weeks and then for two weeks in person onsite – as the World Council of Churches (WCC) recently gathered for its 11th assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany.

WCC releases minute on consequences of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war

The World Council of Churches (WCC) 11th Assembly released a minute entitled Consequences of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war,” in which it reiterated its condemnation of the use of chemical weapons and cluster munitions, the targeting of civilians, hospitals and public infrastructure, and all other war crimes, beheadings, torture and other atrocities witnessed during the conflict.

WCC 11th Assembly shares message: “A Call to Act Together”

All are called by Christs love to repentance, reconciliation, and justice in the face of war, inequality, and sins against creation, delegates at the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Karlsruhe, Germany, have stated in a message issued on 8 September.

WCC assembly proposes “A Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation and Unity”

In a report released 7 September, the World Council of Churches (WCC) assembly proposed inviting member churches and ecumenical partners to commit to working together as a fellowship in A Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity,” as a way to go even further on the Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace” initiated at the WCC 10th Assembly in Busan.

Harmonies of unity: Wednesday morning prayers

To the lively, lilting accompaniment of an orchestral band, visitors to the prayer tent in Karlsruhe, Germany sang an adaptation of Psalm 133 by Hungarian poet and playwright Zoltán Sumonyi, “How good it is when God’s people play together”. The assembled faithful sang enthusiastically, “nothing compares to the sound when God’s people play together as they really were one. Here is the blessing, do believe: God composes life and music so the kingdom may come.”

Plenary challenges WCC to embrace unity through youth, reconciliation, and love of one another

Speakers during a World Council of Churches (WCC) 11th Assembly plenary under the theme “Christian unity and the churches’ common witness” on 7 September reflected on unity, mission, and reconciliation in the fellowship and ecumenical movement. The plenary theme included conversation on accomplishments and challenges to Christian unity and mission since the WCC 10th Assembly in Busan, and mutual accountability and witness to the love of Christ in a changing landscape and looking forward.

An evening of welcome and a historic pilgrimage along the Rhine

In an evening filled with music and storytelling, performers led an audience of attendees from around the world on a journey through history. The 4 September Host Church Evening event at the World Council of Churches’ (WCC) 11th Assembly centered on the theme, “No one shall be lost: building bridges – living reconciliation.”

Promoting human dignity through art

“Affirming justice and human dignity”  was the theme of the fourth thematic plenary of the World Council of Churches(WCC) 11th assembly on 6 September. The presentation featured a wheelchair dance performance by Fadi El Halabi, a wheelchair user and Ms. Karen Abi Nader, an international artist. In the freestyle dance, Halabi effortlessly spinned around his wheelchair and,  with slow coordinated moves together with his dance partner, threw hands in the air symbolizing the joy that can only be felt when all exclusionary and disempowerment practices in church and society are addressed.

Assembly participants come together as church families

With over 3,500 participants from all over the world, opportunities for “encounter” are rich and continuous at the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) taking place in Karlsruhe, Germany. Intentional gatherings – from small “home” groups to regional meetings also help to connect participants and bring different perspectives to the concerns and hopes being raised under the Assembly theme, “Christ’s love moves the world to reconciliation and unity”.

Business plenary discusses draft unity statement as milestone on journey of our common life in Christ

In a process described as, “a journey of walking together, praying together, and working together,” Dr Agnes Abuom, WCC moderator, began the second business plenary with a review of the assembly decision-making process. “The decisions of the assembly are expressed through the final reports of the assembly committees,” she said, noting the distinction between earlier messages and final messages, which are expected to come to assembly next week.

In the mood for vibrant music? Or deep reflection? Visit the Networking Zone

Whether you need vibrant music, a lively dialogue, calming atmosphere, or a quiet coffee, youll find it in the Networking Zone of the World Council of Churches (WCC) 11th Assembly. Located at the front of the assembly grounds, the space invites participants to engage one another in a more relaxed and social area apart from the plenaries.