Thursday, October 17, 2024

WCC News: From Despair to Hope: A call to action on climate change and responsible banking

To highlight how our financial choices can help combat desertification and create a sustainable future for our children, the World Council of Churches (WCC) has released a video “From Despair to Hope,” available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Arabic.
Videos “From Despair to Hope” are a call to action on climate change and responsible banking, addressing desertification around the Mediterranean sea. Photo: WCC
17 October 2024

Videos are part of a project developing educational advocacy material on the desertification around the Mediterranean Sea, providing concrete examples of how everyone can contribute to halting the climate crisis. The WCC plans to share the material with its member churches and Sunday schools worldwide to initiate discussion and action.

“This one-minute video helps to shed light on the powerful lever of climate-responsible banking, address root-causes of global warming, and support churches in addressing desertification,” says Frederique Seidel, WCC Children and Climate programme executive.

“It is an educational resource that aims to increase tangible hope for children’s futures. We invite and encourage all churches and partners to use and to share it!”

A webinar/consultation with the member churches from the Mediterranean region will be organized on 9 December (register here). To strengthen awareness on solutions to stop desertification, a fact sheet for churches will be made available, supporting churches and partners’ in using the powerful lever of climate-responsible finance.

Project is supported by the German Federal Foreign Office.

The WCC Churches’ Commitments to Children programme advocates for a recognition that choices which lead to climate destruction are crimes against children and future generations. Desertification of the Mediterranean Sea is one of examples showing the extent of the climate crisis, requiring everyone to take climate action and engage in solutions. 

Videos From Despair to Hope” are available in EnglishGermanFrenchSpanish and Arabic.

Register for the webinar “Addressing desertification through responsible banking: Mediterranean” 

Learn more about the webinar "Churches in the Mediterranean: Addressing desertification through responsible banking"

"From Despair to Hope", a call to action on climate change and responsible banking
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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 352 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:
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WCC FEATURE: In Lithuania, university students build culture of peace through Thursdays in Black

Thursdays in Black Trailblazers are individuals, churches, schools and universities, networks and grassroot groups who have made a real impact in raising community awareness about gender-based violence and transforming attitudes and practices to prevent rape and abuse. LCC International University in Lithuania is one example of efforts to break a culture of silence, help survivors move towards healing, and work towards preventing abuse and violence.

Thursdays in Black event organizers and LCC International University students. Credit: LCC International University
17 October 2024

Walking quietly and listening deeply. As students and faculty from the LCC International University in Klaipeda, Lithuania viewed a Waterfall of Solidarity and Resistance exhibit and listened to the stories from survivors of gender-based violence, their reactions were emotional.

Ieva Rūkė, peace programs coordinator for the universitys Center for Dialogue and Conflict Transformation, noted surprise, sadness, grief, loss, fear, and anger in observers that people had to go through such experiences.

The poster exhibit presents the panels from the Waterfall of Solidarity and Resistance tapestry first displayed at the World Council of Churches (WCC) 11th Assembly in 2022.

Participants walked quietly and took time to read the posters,” said Rūkė. Groups of individuals would chat quietly together as well.”

People also expressed thanks that the awareness-raising on the topic of gender-based violence was done in a way that showed healing—not just glorification of victimhood.

In addition, those who walked through the exhibit said they found it moving and educational. While a hard topic to be reminded of, it was also a very needed one in this context to be acknowledged, and emotions of gratitude were expressed that we bravely discussed this topic,” said Rūkė.

Connections and origins

The Thursdays in Black campaign first came to LCC International University through the director of the Center for Dialogue and Conflict Transformation, Naomi Enns, who was also the Mennonite Central Committee West Europe representative from 2017-2020, attending World Council of Churches meetings during that time.

Enns, who teaches a university-wide core course called Conflict Transformation and Civic Engagement,” cites Thursdays in Black during her class as a model for public engagement.

The center focuses on promoting and training in conflict transformation, resilience, research, action and advocacy, awareness raising, and peace dialogue skills for the university community as well as extending out collaboratively to regional and international peace partners, the Klaipeda community, and the communities from which students come.

The LCC International University enrolls students from about 60 countries, with most currently coming from Ukraine and Lithuania.

Our aim this year is to help shift the narratives of violence to ones that are more peaceful in the behaviors, attitudes, and feelings expressed in order to nurture a culture of peace on campus and as a catalyst for transforming relationships and equipping communities through mutual learning, discovery, and action—especially in the public spheres in ways that promote social wellbeing and engagement with diverse social voices,” explainedEnns.

Shedding light into darkness

The exhibit was coupled with a panel discussion. This is not an easy topic to bring into the social spheres of life here,” acknowledged Rūkė. However, attendees recognized the importance of the theme, the need to be made more aware, and shed light into the dark, violent experiences many in our communities here come from or are living with.”

The survivors’ stories deeply impacted the listeners.

The discussion flowed from individual survivor stories of watching gender-based violence occur in the home, to rape and fear of males when visiting another persons home,” said Rūkė. Ideas on ways to find healing, both at the personal level as well as interpersonal, were shared as well as grounding tips for victims and those still on a journey towards surviving.”

Cycles of violence—and the impact they have on people and society—were pointed out.

Rūkė also observed healing through sharing of stories and the need for witnessing through shared stories as a way of assisting those on the journey,” adding that experiences of harassment and how to get help for it were also discussed.

Gender-based violence in Lithuania is a very relevant topic, since the nation experiences one of the highest rates of femicide in Europe, and over 1 in 3 women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence. In the region in which the university is located, two-third of families have been impacted by gender-based violence.

Moreover, Lithuania is one of the few EU states that is refusing to ratify the Istanbul Convention,” said Rūkė. There is so much need for discussion and work that needs to be done here.”

The Istanbul Convention, which opened for signature in 2011, is the first instrument in Europe to set legally binding standards specifically to prevent gender-based violence, protect victims of violence, and punish perpetrators.

Future plans

The Center for Dialogue and Conflict Transformation plans to continue the Thursdays in Black campaign, highlighting it throughout year. The university’s student council is planning to look more in-depth at education around harassment and policies for student assistance. Together they are looking at ways to broaden the awareness through collaborative efforts with Klaipeda University and regional partners. 

 

Thursdays in Black

Just Community of Women and Men

 

 

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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 352 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
150 route de Ferney
Geneve 2 1211
Switzerland

WCC News: WCC deeply concerned by escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed deep concern over developments on the Korean Peninsula, and escalating tensions and conflict risk in the region.
On the North Korean side of the De-militarised zone (DMZ), a soldier from DPRK walks through the DMZ between the North and South Korea.  Photo: Sean Hawkey/Life on Earth
16 October 2024

On 15 October, North Korea blew up the northern sections of road and rail routes that once linked it with South Korea. “While the demolition of these unused routes was largely symbolic, it amplifies the new policy declared by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in January, wherein he officially severed relations with South Korea and abandoned the long-stated goal of achieving peaceful Korean re-unification,” said Pillay. “This demonstration of intent further accelerates the increasing tensions and confrontation between North and South, following claims by the North that the South had flown drones over its capital Pyongyang.”

Recent reports also noted that North Korea has sent thousands of troops to Russia, as well as providing armaments to support Russia’s invasion and war in Ukraine.

During a meeting with prime minister Han Duk-soo, Pillay reiterated the WCC’s call for restraint and measures to reduce tensions, and for engagement in dialogue and cooperation rather than confrontation and conflict on the Korean Peninsula, as well as in other situations of conflict and tension around the world. 

One month ago, in September 2024, the WCC general secretary and senior staff participated in events marking the centenary of the National Council of Churches in Korea, where a major focus was on the history and future of ecumenical efforts for peace on the Korean Peninsula. 

“While participants acknowledged the depth of the current low point of division and confrontation between North and South, they committed to renewed and strengthened efforts for peaceful co-existence in the region and unity of the Korean people, despite the diverging trajectories of the two countries,” said Pillay. “Indeed, it is especially in such a difficult and challenging moment that the ecumenical commitment to just and sustainable peace must be reasserted and reinvigorated.”

WCC comment on escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, 16 October 2024

Statement of the National Council of Churches in Korea

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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 352 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
150 route de Ferney
Geneve 2 1211
Switzerland

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Minute for Mission: World Food Day

itness, Share and Evangelize: Minute for Mission: World Food Day: October 16, 2024 Pulses (edible seeds of plants in the legume family Oct. 16 is  World Food Day . The United Nations Food and Agriculture Or...

WCC NEWS: Consultation on discipleship and creation in Aotearoa New Zealand explored calls to seek justice

A consultation entitled “Transforming Discipleship and Creation” took place from 6-11 October in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. Cohosted by the World Council of Churches (WCC), Methodist Church of New Zealand, and Te Runanga Whakawhanaunga i ngā Hāhi, the gathering included personal sharing, exposure visits, case studies, and reflection. 

12th General Assembly of the Pacific Conference of Churches, 2023, Photo: PCC - Pacific Conference of Churches
16 October 2024

The consultation brought together 20 participants, including church leaders and theologians from across Oceania.

The structure of the consultation was informed by the Indigenous methodologies of wānanga and talanoa, creating an open and relational environment that encouraged participants to share, listen, and engage deeply with one another. Storytelling emerged as a fundamental aspect of the gathering, enabling participants to share their experiences and wisdom.

This approach not only enriched our understanding but also built meaningful relationships, affirming the power of stories as a tool for truth-telling and transformation,” reads a communique released by the participants. Together, we affirmed that the call for justice is not only about our survival but also about the preservation of God's creation—a sacred duty entrusted to us.”

Participants reiterated the time for action is now. “The participants committed to moving beyond words and taking concrete steps toward ecological justice, as an imperative response to the call of God and the needs of our communities and creations,” reads the communique. “It is our hope and prayer that the bonds formed and the commitments made will bear lasting fruit as we continue to walk together in discipleship and creation care.”

Participants explored their calling to seek justice for and with those most affected by the climate crisis due to the exploitation of creation.

Both the Methodist Church of New Zealand and Te Runanga Whakawhanaunga i ngā Hāhi, particularly through the WCC Commission on World Mission and Evangelism, have a longstanding history and commitment to addressing their role as disciples in transforming mission for both humanity and creation. Given the increasing urgency of our times, coordinated mission work for the integrity and protection of creation is a priority. 

The consultation provided a space for constructive dialogue on challenges, opportunities, and potential cooperation among churches and local communities in Aotearoa and across the Pacific. This effort focused on becoming disciples of creation, and the consultation fostered ecumenical dialogue and collaboration to protect nature.

 

Learn more about the WCC work on Mission and Evangelism

Commission on World Mission and Evangelism

"Convening in Kenya, WCC Commission on World Mission and Evangelism maps out work" (WCC news release, July 2024)

Ecumenical Indigenous Peoples Network

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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 352 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
150 route de Ferney
Geneve 2 1211
Switzerland

WCC News: From Despair to Hope: A call to action on climate change and responsible banking

To highlight how our financial choices can help combat desertification and create a sustainable future for our children, the World Council o...