Displaying 81 - 100 of 144

Statement on xenophobic attacks in South Africa

During recent days, we have seen numerous tragic expressions of the special vulnerability of migrants and migrant workers. The 28 Ethiopian migrant workers reportedly executed by ISIS in Libya, the hundreds of deaths on the Mediterranean Sea, and the xenophobic violence and killings of migrant workers in South Africa are only the most recent illustrations of the threats against people engaged in the simple and universal human search for a better life for themselves and their families – often driven to perilous risk by desperation, conflict and oppression in their home countries.

General Secretary

A theological reflection on cruelty - the ugly face of violence

Exploring responses in faith to institutionally and structurally embedded cruelty was the purpose of the theological consultation on cruelty that took place in Puidoux, Switzerland during December 5-8, 2006. Organized by the WCC and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), this gathering focused on cultures, traditions as well as social, economical and political structures that are themselves cruel, as well as creating an ethos that "enables" people to become cruel. Twelve case studies from different contexts and perspectives provided the basis for the debate. Some of these are about racism, casteism, patriarchy, xenophobia, terrorism and counter-terrorism, torture of prisoners, genocide, rape and sex trafficking, and occupation. Papers from this consultation will be published in 2008.

Commission on Faith and Order

La Paz report - Just and inclusive communities

Representing the experiences, perspectives and visions of different excluded groups, a select group of 25 theologians from many parts of the world gathered in La Paz, Bolivia during May 2007, perhaps for the first time, to articulate their visions of the world and the church. Their attempt was to identify the possible thematic directions for the new programme - Just and Inclusive Communities - that brings together WCC's ongoing work in the areas of Overcoming racism, Ecumenical Disabilities Advocates Network, Indigenous Peoples and Dalit Solidarity.

WCC Programmes