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WCC’s consensus process involves discerning God's will—and that means being patient

During the World Council of Churches (WCC) 11th Assembly—and at other meetings of the WCC’s governing bodies—decisions are made via a consensus process. For the WCC, that means seeking a common mind about the wisest way forward while being open to fresh insights and the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

03 October 2022

Interview

Rev. Dr David Emmanuel Goatley: “Ecumenism and global engagement are essential to who I am”

Rev. Dr David Emmanuel Goatley is associate dean for Academic and Vocational Formation; Ruth W. and A. Morris Williams, Jr research professor of Theology and Christian Ministry; and director of the Office of Black Church Studies at Duke University Divinity School. He will serve as the next president of Fuller Theological Seminary. Below, he reflects on the path ahead and the inspiration he draws from his work with the World Council of Churches (WCC).

29 September 2022

WCC expresses solidarity, urges advocacy for the human rights and self-determination of Indigenous Peoples across the world

In a public statement released by the leadership of the WCC central committee, the WCC encourages continued advocacy, “with Indigenous Peoples and on their behalf in defence of their human rights, to protect the use of human rights language, to promote Indigenous Peoples’ right to self-determination and the right to participate in the decision making process within churches and in society.”

16 September 2022

Statement: public statement

Statement on Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples

‘Behold I create new heavens in which life, justice and peace are possible for all’.

(Isaiah 65:17-25)

Indigenous Peoples are created with God-given identities that are beautiful. God was present in their lands and among their peoples before colonizers arrived. When Christians brought the Bible, Indigenous People recognized the voice of their Creator in Jesus’ teachings. They did not hear a call to reject their identities.

16 September 2022

Statement: public statement

Statement on Confronting Racism and Xenophobia, Overcoming Discrimination, Ensuring Belonging

Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness (Genesis 1:26)

The World Council of Churches, at its 11th assembly, in Karlsruhe, Germany, abhors the perpetuation of all forms of racism, xenophobia and related discriminations against humanity and the pervasive suffering it causes.

16 September 2022

Queen Elizabeth II, “Defender of the Faith,” living it and speaking of it

Queen Elizabeth II held the title "Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England," but for the seven decades of her monarchy, these were not mere titles; many have spoken of her deep Christian faith and how she lived it.

16 September 2022

Photo essay

Simone de Giuseppe: “I’m still working for ecumenism in Italy”

Simone de Giuseppe, a pastor with the Evangelical Baptist Union of Italy, recalled how his time at the Bossey Ecumenical Institute became a formative experience in his life.

16 September 2022

Pastor Peter Stucky wins Menno Simons Preaching Prize 2022

The Center for Peace Church Theology (University of Hamburg, Germany), together with the Mennonite congregation of Hamburg-Altona, will award, on 2 October, the international Menno Simons Preaching Prize to Peter Stucky, pastor of the Mennonite congregation of Teusaquillo in Bogotá (Colombia) and professor emeritus at the Seminario Bíblico Menonita.

15 September 2022

At assembly and beyond, WCC publications inspire and move

During an interview recorded during the World Council of Churches (WCC) 11th Assembly in Karlruhe, Germany, Rev. Margarithe Veen, ordained minister of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands, described what moved her the most when she volunteered in the Networking Zone, helping people connect with WCC publications.

14 September 2022

Bossey alumni meeting at WCC 11th Assembly

Bossey reunion at WCC 11th Assembly reaffirmed global connections for unity

As more than 100 alumni from the Bossey Ecumenical Institute gathered at the World Council of Churches (WCC) 11th Assembly, they expressed how meaningful it was to share their experiences from across the decades and across the world.

13 September 2022

Blog post

Bossey alumni meeting at the WCC 11th Assembly

Bossey reunion at the 11th assembly

It was one of the first days of the 11th assembly when I met an old Bossey friend. We had not seen each other for 24 years, although it felt we met yesterday. We shared memories of our Graduate School of Ecumenical Studies in Bossey in 1998 and remembered the names of our friends. We spoke about Bossey as a life-changing experience for both of us.

13 September 2022

Margarithe Veen

Interview

Rev. Dr Angelique Walker-Smith, WCC president from North America: “the assembly has given us motivation and a model for a way forward”

The World Council of Churches (WCC) 11th Assembly elected eight new presidents on 5 September. Below, Rev. Dr Angelique Walker-Smith, WCC president from North America, reflects on the new role, and a vision for how insights gained at the assembly will carry forward.

08 September 2022

Water as a divine gift, and justice issue

The importance of water for Christians around the world cannot be overemphasized. From Genesis 1:1, where we read that “a wind from God swept over the face of the waters” to its sacramental role in baptism and the Eucharist, water is integral to the faith.

08 September 2022

Statement: public statement

The Living Planet: Seeking a Just and Sustainable Global Community

"The Living Planet: Seeking a Just and Sustainable Global Community", Statement by the WCC 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany

08 September 2022

H.G. Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury, the Church of England

Archbishop of Canterbury: “In this time of world crisis, Christians are to be a community of peace”

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby addressed the World Council of Churches 11th Assembly on 7 September.

07 September 2022

Message

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby's address at the WCC 11th Assembly

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby addressed the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches in Karlsruhe, Germany on 7 September 2022.

07 September 2022

Rev. Dr Henriette Hutabarat-Lebang, Rev. Dr Karen Georgia Thompson & Rev. Dr Gordon Cowans

At press conference, ecumenical leaders advance agenda of the earth, persons with disabilities, and gender justice

At a press conference held on 6 September as part of the ongoing World Council of Churches (WCC) 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany, global ecumenical leaders spoke about the needed response from churches regarding gender justice, persons with disabilities, and the rights of the earth.

06 September 2022

Opening dramatic performance by participants

In spirit of Talanoa, diverse voices urge churches to affirm wholeness of life

During a plenary session held 5 September as part of the ongoing World Council of Churches 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany, women, men, youth, Indigenous peoples, and people living with HIV and AIDS challenged ecumenical leaders to counter injustices and affirm wholeness of life.

05 September 2022