WCC NEWS: Webinar will open “Condemnation to Consequences” campaign

A webinar on 4 March will open a new World Council of Churches (WCC) campaign: “From Condemnation to Consequences: Calling on States to Hold Israel Accountable to End the Illegal Occupation.” 26 February 2026 In light of the escalating crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the clear, yet unfulfilled, legal obligations of the international community, the campaign shifts the focus from observation and condemnation to demanding concrete, legally grounded consequences for Israel's persistent violations of international law.  This initiative is firmly rooted in recent landmark decisions by the WCC and the International Court of Justice and directly addresses the urgent need to challenge the system of impunity that has allowed the occupation and the related severe violations of international law and human rights to deepen.  The webinar features legal experts, Palestinian voices from East Jerusalem, and the testimonies of ecumenical accompaniers from the WCC Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel.  The “From Condemnation to Consequences” campaign will run from 4-18 March. Webinar registration: From Condemnation to Consequences Webinar details and speakers Campaign page and resources WCC-EAPPI   See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland

WCC NEWS: “From Condemnation to Consequences” campaign will call for accountability to end occupation of Palestine

A new World Council of Churches (WCC) campaign, “From Condemnation to Consequences,” running 4-18 March, will call on states to hold Israel accountable for ending the illegal occupation of Palestine. 26 February 2026 In light of the escalating crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the clear, yet unfulfilled, legal obligations of the international community, the campaign will demand concrete, legally-grounded consequences for Israel's persistent violations of international law.  The initiative, organized by the WCC Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel, is firmly rooted in recent landmark decisions by the WCC and the International Court of Justice, and will directly address the urgent need to challenge the system of impunity that has allowed the occupation and the related severe violations of international law and human rights to deepen.  With feature stories from the ground, webinars, factsheets, and calls to action, the campaign will empower people with the tools they need to approach decision-makers and policymakers with credible explanation of the legal framework grounded in authoritative findings. Advocacy efforts will focus on the specific legal and moral obligations of the international community to act. Opening webinar registration: From Condemnation to Consequences Campaign page and resources WCC-EAPPI See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland

SojoMail - Here AI am to worship

View this email in your browser By Betsy Shirley Editor in Chief, Sojourners The song stuck in my head this week is the hit 2000s praise-and-worship song “Here I Am To Worship.” Unfortunately, the reason it’s been stuck on repeat is not altogether lovely, altogether worthy, or altogether wonderful to me. We recently riffed on the title of the aforementioned earworm to make a headline pun about the rise of AI in Christian music. In the article, sources ranging from Christian drag artist Flamy Grant to Jars of Clay’s Stephen Mason told Sojourners that we’re seeing “basically the ‘Walmartification’ of Christian art,” as one expert put it. Elsewhere this week, we’re offering a peek inside a posthumous collection from Rachel Held Evans and an analysis of the most alarming part of Trump’s recent State of the Union address. Plus, a surprising ally in the fight against immigrant detention, and Christian abolitionist Hannah Bowman breaks down what it would mean to actually “abolish ICE.” Here AI Am To Worship? (by Tate Young) Thousands are listening to AI-generated Christian music, and they may not even know it. Read the full article Advertisement Our Latest Stories Pro-Life Coalition Decries ICE Detention Practices: ‘Unborn Children Are Dying’ (by Sarah Einselen) Anti-abortion groups are calling the Trump administration to enforce its own policies to protect pregnant, postpartum, or nursing people. Read more What Rachel Held Evans Knew About Not Going to Church (by Rachel Held Evans and Kristen Howerton) “Do I want a church that fits me, or a me that fits the church?” asks the late writer in an excerpt from her new book, ‘Braving the Truth.’ Read more What Most Concerned Me About Trump's State of the Union (by Adam Russell Taylor) I was tempted to skip the president’s speech. But if I had, I would have missed something that should concern every Christian. Read more ICE Must Be Abolished. Can Truth and Reconciliation Follow? (by Hannah Bowman) When I see what federal immigration agents are doing, I want them to be punished. But punishment isn't the solution. Read more Advertisements Summer offerings at Boston College for ongoing ministerial growth and formation This summer, join us at Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry to renew and strengthen your ministerial skills. Offerings include a post-master’s certificate in spiritual formation; weeklong intensives on directing the Spiritual Exercises and utilizing Scripture in ministry; and a hybrid M.A. program designed for practicing ministers. Christian Community Meets Social Justice When the stakes are high, the movement needs you. Join Sojourners Fellowship for a year of faith-rooted justice work in Washington, D.C., living in a supportive intentional Christian community with housing, health insurance, and stipend covered. Apply by March 9 for the August 2026 start date. Donate Subscribe Unsubscribe or update email preferences Copyright © 2026 Sojourners. All rights reserved. Email: sojourners@sojo.net | Tel.: 202.328.8842

WCC NEWS: WCC participates in conference on “Rethinking Health Systems for Africa’s Future: Faith, Innovation, and Sustainability”

The World Council of Churches (WCC) is participating in a conference, “Rethinking Health Systems for Africa’s Future: Faith, Innovation, and Sustainability” in Madagascar from 23-26 February.  Frebruary 2026, 12th Biennial Conference of the Africa Christian Health Associations Platform in Madagascar. Photo: Gracia Violeta Ross/WCC 25 February 2026 The conference, which comes at a defining moment for faith-based health systems in Africa, will support Christian Health Associations and Networks in fulfilling their mandate of providing sustainable health services in Africa. The conference is a platform for reflection, learning, renewed commitment, and innovating. Key focus areas include practical strategies for financial sustainability and alternative resource mobilization; and integrating innovation and technology to optimize service delivery. Participants will examine the impact of shrinking foreign assistance on faith-based health systems in Africa. They will also explore creative solutions for optimizing resources and improving efficiency; and enhance resource mobilization and financing strategies. WCC central committee member Bishop Jaona Ranarivelo will host a presentation about HIV response, and the role of the church. Gracia Violeta Ross, WCC programme executive for HIV, Reproductive Health, and Pandemics, will also share insights. See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland