Displaying 1 - 20 of 61

Blending local and global ecumenism in Asia

After being postponed twice because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 15th General Assembly of the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) finally got underway in late September and early October 2023 in Kottayam, India. Under the theme "God, renew us in your spirit and restore the creation,” CCA member churches across Asia gathered to stake out the direction forward and evaluate accomplishments and challenges since the last assembly in 2015 in Jakarta. 

Unity is key when health crisis poses new challenges in Asia

As the COVID-19 pandemic slowly fades, its severe impact on people’s lives lingers on throughout Asia and the rest of the world. In addition to the sufferings and tragic losses of lives caused by the virus, hopes for a brighter future have been dimmed by social isolation, economic recession, increased unemployment and poverty.

WCC stands in solidarity with families of clergy attacked in Pakistan, calls for better protection for all

World Council of Churches acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca expressed deep sadness and concern upon receiving the news of the murder of lay pastor William Siraj and the wounding of Rev. Patrick Naeem, the priest in charge of the Martyrs of All Saints Church, Diocese of Peshawar, on 30 January. They were ambushed by two unidentified gunman as they were returning from Sunday worship in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

La Semana de oración por la unidad cristiana en imágenes

Este año, las oraciones por la unidad han adoptado una forma diferente, pero han podido tener lugar a pesar de las limitaciones generalizadas a la hora de celebrar las reuniones presenciales. Las imágenes de estas celebraciones en todo el mundo transmiten la riqueza espiritual de una familia ecuménica que se ha reunido en la oración mediante tarjetas de oración, reflexiones personales, encuentros en línea y nuevas formas de conectarse.

En images: Semaine de prière pour l’unité chrétienne

Les prières pour l’unité ont pris une autre allure cette année, mais elles n’ont pas été arrêtées par les restrictions généralisées sur les rassemblements en face à face. Des cartes de prières aux réflexions personnelles, des rassemblements en ligne aux nouvelles connexions, les images illustrent dans le monde entier la richesse spirituelle d’une famille œcuménique qui s’est réunie dans la prière.

In Bildern: Gebetswoche für die Einheit der Christen

Die Gebete für die Einheit sahen dieses Jahr etwas anders aus und fühlten sich auch anders an, doch konnten ihnen die verbreiteten Einschränkungen von persönlichen Versammlungen nichts anhaben. Von Gebetsbildern über persönliche Besinnungen und von Online-Versammlungen zu neuen Verbindungen: Die Bilder aus der ganzen Welt zeugen von einem spirituellen Reichtum einer ökumenischen Familie, die sich im gemeinsamen Gebet vereinte.

In pictures: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

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.

Rev. Shin Seung-min: “We want to create hope, not despair”

Rev. Shin Seung-min, programme executive of the National Council of Churches in Korea, firmly believes that Christians live by the power of prayer. As he looks back at one of the largest global prayer campaigns in which he’s ever been involved, he sees that the year 2020 brought forth the power of prayer in unprecedented ways, even amid a year that brought grave suffering to the world.

Rt. Rev. Sharma Nithyanandam: “Contribute toward suspending negativity”

Rt. Rev. Sharma Nithyanandam is the bishop in Vellore, Church of South India. Below, he reflects on how churches can infuse hope as an antidote to despair by becoming agents of tangible social action. During the COVID-19 lockdown, our church doors may be closed but our hearts are not, and Bishop Nithyanandam reflects on why this is a time for deeds and not just words.

Easter at home: celebrations still bring joy thanks to creative delivery

As Christians across the world prepare to celebrate Easter shuttered in their homes, they will still find the joy of the day and feel closer to each other, thanks to creative thinking by church leaders.

From including photos of church members within webcast worship services, to placing written greetings at doorways, Easter celebrations can still safely connect people who want to celebrate the resurrection of their common Lord.

CCIA meets in Brisbane with focus on Pacific regional priorities

Impacts of the climate change and the lingering health and environmental effects of nuclear testing on the countries in the Pacific region are among the issues to be discussed at the meeting of the WCC’s Commission of Churches on International Affairs (CCIA), convened from 19 to 21 February in Brisbane, Australia.