Search results

Commission on International Affairs

Background document

WCC comments to the zero draft of the "Pact for the Future"

The World Council of Churches comments to the zero draft of the “Pact for the Future,” the envisaged outcome of the UN Summit for the Future, submitted on 12 February 2024 (extended version).

12 February 2024

WCC sees firsthand those most affected by conflict in Colombia

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay met with Colombian minister of the interior Luis Fernando Velasco on 13 December in Bogota to talk about the government's efforts to seek social, economic, and environmental justice.

15 December 2023

On 12 December, a panel discussion on the Colombian context organized by the Presbyterian Church of Colombia, DiPaz and the ACT Alliance forum Colombia brought together Rev. Milton Mejia, coordinator of DiPaz, Yudeluly Mosquera, Women’s Farmers Association of the River Pepé-Asomupepé, Aura Rodríguez, Colombian Platform of Democracy and Human Rights.

Voices for peace in Colombia: WCC general secretary draws close partnerships

In a nation marked by decades of alarming numbers of internal displacement and confinement mainly affecting Indigenous and Afro-Colombians, the walk toward peace is complicated—but the World Council of Churches (WCC) is deepening collaboration on Colombia’s vision for total peace.

14 December 2023

In historic show of unity, Ethiopian churches commit to establishing national council

With a historic show of unity, Ethiopian churches meeting at the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey made the decision to establish a council of churches in their country.

30 November 2023

WCC seeks effective international engagement for justice, peace, and reconciliation

As the world reaches what UN secretary-general António Guterres has termed “an inflection point” in addressing major, converging crises, the World Council of Churches (WCC) is intensifying its close interactions with the United Nations, key UN agencies, and partner non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

22 November 2023

In Colombia, WCC is helping people realize dreams of a future in peace with justice

In September, the World Council of Churches (WCC), with the Colombian Episcopal Conference, United Nations Mission in Colombia, and Organization of American States, was appointed as a permanent accompanier for peace talks with the Estado Mayor Central FARC-EP in Colombia.

20 October 2023

Interview

A journey through advocacy, women's leadership, and the Korea peace appeal

The call for peace in Korea has resonated for decades, echoing across international borders and faith communities. Patti Talbot, who has served The United Church of Canada for nearly 30 years, sheds light on the enduring relevance of ecumenical advocacy efforts for peace in the Korean Peninsula. She shared insights into the importance of these efforts and their potential to change the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

25 September 2023

As UN assembly opens, prayers for children and young people

The World Council of Churches (WCC) joined an ecumenical prayer service promoted by World Vision on the eve of the opening of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, in New York City.

20 September 2023

Commission on International Affairs

“Imagining a Safer World”, address by Peter Prove at “Churches Together South Australia”

Address of Peter Prove, WCC director of international affairs on “Imagining a Safer World” at a “Churches Together South Australia” event on 13 August 2023.

14 August 2023

Keynote of Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata at the International Conference for Reconciliation in Colombia

Keynote address of Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, WCC programme director for Public Witness and Diakonia at the "International Conference for Reconciliation in Colombia", Bogota, Colombia, 9 August 2023

09 August 2023

WCC Programmes

WCC keynote address: “Could Colombia’s peace process be an inspiration to the rest of the world?”

In a keynote address at the International Conference for Reconciliation in Colombia, Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, World Council of Churches (WCC) programme director for Public Witness and Diakonia, reflected on “Ecumenical Experiences and Learnings in the Construction of the Peace.”

09 August 2023

Learning and hoping: peacemakers give and receive messages to the world

Messages of hope related to climate change and global conflicts from renowned global peacemakers have inspired young Christians, Jews, and Muslims at the Emerging Peacemakers Forum, held 5-14 July at the World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Institute at Bossey. The young peacemakers have spent nearly 10 days crafting the next generation of peacebuilding.

The forum is organized in partnership between the Muslim Council of Elders, the WCC, and the Rose Castle Foundation.

11 July 2023

Interview

Weaving the web of peace and justice: a journey for reconciliation in the Korean Peninsula

In an exclusive interview, a prominent figure in the field of peace and justice, the former general secretary of National Council of Churches in Korea and former executive secretary for the Christian Conference of Asia, Rev. Hong-Jung Lee, shared insights into his journey and experiences working towards peace and justice in the Korean Peninsula. Drawing on his extensive experience and involvement in various ecumenical organizations, he shed light on the importance of healing, reconciliation, and the role of churches and Christians in advancing peace in Korea.

31 May 2023

In East Jerusalem, “people need to understand what happens when settlements are built”

For the 380,000 Palestinians that live in East Jerusalem, daily life is often marred by inequalities related to everything from housing, health services, childcare, and even garbage pickup. Even though Palestinians make up 39% of the city, there are many discrepancies in the services they receive.

14 March 2023

Rt Rev. Dr Alastair Redfern, Retired Bishop of Derby and Chair of The Clewer Initiative, Church of England and Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC General Secretary

Clewer Initiative, WCC map course for even stronger collaboration

Leaders from The Clewer Initiative, the national work of the Church of England to combat modern slavery, visited the World Council of Churches (WCC) on 30-31 January to discuss current and future collaboration.

02 February 2023

Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel completes annual meeting, commemorates 20 years

The World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) completed its annual meeting from 21-26 November, and also commemorated its 20th anniversary.

25 November 2022

Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel commemorates 20-year anniversary: 1,800 accompaniers from 25 countries

Heads of churches in Jerusalem, World Council of Churches leaders, partners, and friends gathered in Jerusalem to commemorate the 20-year anniversary of the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel.

23 November 2022

WCC acting general secretary opening address on the occasion of 20 years anniversary of EAPPI

Jerusalem, 22 November 2022

22 November 2022

General Secretary