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Less COVID-19 cases, more “hope cases”

The Uruguayan Council of Christian Churches (CICU, by its Spanish acronym), the only ecumenical organization in the country, hosted an online gathering during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. It took place last 26 May at 7:30pm (local time) via Zoom. I had the immense joy of participating as a Catholic communicator, currently serving as correspondent for SIGNIS ALC (Latin-American and Caribbean Association of Catholic Communication) and as vice president of SIGNIS Uruguay (the Uruguayan Association of Catholic Communicators).

The imperative to go back to the ecumenical basics

Dr Agnes Abuom, moderator of the World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee, was asked about the WCC executive committee meeting held on 17-23 May 2021. The WCC executive committee set a tone of hope for the future while, at the same time, addressing multiple global crises with statements, pastoral messages, and calls for prayer.

The transition to online programming and prayers during COVID-19 has challenged the WCC, and the rest of the world, Abuom found, and said is a heavy burden” on all in the ecumenical family as the WCC prepares for its 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany next year.

WCC mourns passing away of His Grace Most Rev. Dr Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Valiya Metropolitan

His Eminence the Most Rev. Dr Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Valiya Metropolitan (Metropolitan Emeritus) of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, passed away on the 5 May in Kerala, India. He was 104 years old. Churches and the global ecumenical community are celebrating a remarkable life, lived in full, in service of God and humanity with holiness, humility, humour and helpfulness. His funeral will be held on 6 May.

Nikolaos Manginas: his camera flash may be extinguished, but his gaze lives on

The World Council of Churches (WCC) is mourning the loss of Nikolaos Manginas, who documented the actions, contributions and gatherings of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for more than 30 years. 

The official photographer of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Manginas leaves behind a photo collection that is a deeply meaningful legacy not only for the Ecumenical Patriarchate but also for Orthodox churches worldwide and the entire ecumenical fellowship.

In crises, faith gives 'support, comfort and guidance,' WHO head says at WCC webinar

Faith-based health services play a critical role in many countries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization head Dr Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus, has said in support of a World Council of Churches (WCC) led Week of Prayer on the pandemic.

The 15 March webinar provided information on the pandemic's current status and related issues and presented an introduction and overview of the ecumenical Week of Prayer from 22-27 March.

Remembering Patrick Matsinkinyiri (27 July 1937 – 15 January 2021)

Patrick Matsikenyiri was born in Biriri, Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), and died in Mutare, Zimbabwe near his home village a few kilometers from the border of Mozambique, as a result of complications due to the COVID-19 virus. His career included virtually all aspects of church music — singing, choral directing, composition, hymnal editor, festival leader, professor, and enlivener of global songs in venues around the world.

Global Christian Forum International Committee begins to plan global gathering

The Global Christian Forum International Committee convened virtually on 22-23 February. While discussing the work and focus of the Global Christian Forum, participants, including the World Council of Churches, discussed regional meetings as a good place for some of the necessary healing and bridge-building to take place before a larger global gathering, possibly in 2024.

WCC honoured with Geneva Engage Award

The World Council of Churches (WCC) was honoured as a top non-governmental organization for its work during 2020, receiving a second-place Geneva Engage Award on 18 February for effective and inspiring social media outreach and engagement.