Today in the Mission Yearbook - Presbyterian Hunger Program associate reports on White House conference for faith leaders

Witness, Share and Evangelize: Today in the Mission Yearbook - Presbyterian Hunge...: Jessica Maudlin was among faith leaders convening on climate, clean energy and environmental justice October 15, 2024 Jessica Maudlin of the...

WCC News: Weekend of Prayer and Action Against Hunger offers spiritual and practical steps to end hunger

The World Council of Churches (WCC), along with global faith organizations, raised urgent awareness of the growing hunger crisis through the "Weekend of Prayer and Action Against Hunger." Inspired by Isaiah 58—"to loose the chains of injustice, untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free...and share our food with the hungry"—this global movement called on faith communities to take spiritual and practical steps to help end hunger. Dinesh Suna at the Weekend of Prayer and Action Against Hunger event in Geneva, Switzerland. Photo: Christian Muggler/Focolare  14 October 2024 The world faces a severe hunger crisis fueled by conflict, climate change, and rising living costs. Children and families in vulnerable situations are bearing the brunt of this crisis. According to the Global Report on Food Crises, nearly 282 million people across 59 countries and territories suffered from high levels of acute hunger in 2023—an increase of 24 million from the previous year. In response, churches worldwide came together for the third annual Weekend of Prayer and Action Against Hunger, which took place 11-13 October. The weekend mobilized congregations globally to fight hunger and injustice through prayer, worship, and community-driven action. On 11 October, an in-person event hosted by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Geneva, entitled "Until All Are Fed,” took place. This event was co-organized by the WCC, ACT Alliance, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Geneva, Lutheran World Federation, World Evangelical Alliance, World Methodist Council, and World Vision. Dinesh Suna, coordinator of the WCC Ecumenical Water Network, delivered a keynote message on behalf of WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, addressing the importance of faith communities  responding to the global hunger crisis. “The issue of hunger cannot be addressed in isolation,” read the message. “It is inextricably linked to the broader concerns of land and water security – a triad of issues that form a critical nexus in our fight against hunger and our pursuit of sustainable development.” This nexus approach recognizes that land, water, and food are not separate challenges, said the text. “The availability and quality of each resource influences the others, creating a complex web of environmental, economic, and social challenges,” reads the message. “These issues directly affect our ability to produce food and ensure food security for all.” Our nexus approach allows us to address these interconnected issues holistically, read the message. “For instance, when we support climate-resilient agriculture, we're not only addressing climate change but also promoting food security and economic stability for farmers,” read the message. “When we advocate for fair land use policies, we're simultaneously addressing economic justice and environmental sustainability.” Faith communities have unique strengths, noted the text. “We have extensive networks that reach into communities often overlooked by other institutions,” read the message. “We can mobilize resources quickly in times of acute need.” Let us remember that our work extends far beyond these few days, the message urged. “Let us use this time to renew our commitment, to strengthen our partnerships, and to redouble our efforts in the fight against hunger,” read the text. “The task before us is great, but so is our resolve.” More Resources: Food and Finance - Toward Life-Enhancing Agriculture Making Peace with the Earth - Action and Advocacy for Climate Justice 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 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 diakonia group charts the path forward on eco-diakonia and decolonization

The Ecumenical Diakonia Reference Group, established by the World Council of Churches (WCC), held its inaugural meeting in Yerevan, Armenia, from 30 September to 2 October. The group, cochaired by Rev. Pauliina Parhiala (Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission) and Rebecca Teiko Sabah (Presbyterian Church of Ghana), focused on topics such as climate justice, decolonization, and diaconal collaboration.  The Ecumenical Diakonia Reference Group, meeting in Yerevan, Armenia, from 30 September to 2 October.  15 October 2024 Focusing on diakonia's role in addressing global challenges, the group committed to advancing these critical issues within the ecumenical movement. “I am inspired and thrilled by the expertise and bravery within the reference group to address challenging issues such as decolonization and power dynamics in diakonia,” said Parhiala. “Additionally, I am excited about our collective efforts to deepen our understanding of eco-diakonia and the role social action of the churches has amid the climate crisis. Addressing topics like these is crucial for securing human rights and access to social services for those left behind and maintaining the diaconal relevance of the church and the entire ecumenical movement.” The WCC Armenia Round Table Foundation hosted the meeting. The group visited local diaconal projects that address economic, health, and environmental challenges. They also discussed the displacement of over 115,000 ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh following a military attack by Azerbaijan. The group expressed deep solidarity with the Armenian people and urged WCC member churches to support their ministry and advocate for the rights of displaced Armenians. Dr Joycia Thorat (previously with the Church's Auxiliary for Social Action in India), a member of the reference group, highlighted the importance of the meeting. “The Ecumenical Diakonia Reference Group meeting was a wonderful coming together of WCC and ACT Alliance members, deliberating about greater collaboration, capacity sharing, and decolonization on climate and other justice concerns, thereby strengthening diaconal ministry across nations and regions,” she said. “We are witnessing the ‘Call to Transformation: Ecumenical Diakonia’ document becoming a reality since the work began a decade ago. I am excited to contribute with every member to see our church and specialized ministries transforming the world.” The group identified three priority areas for future work: climate justice and diakonia, diaconal collaboration and decolonization, and capacity sharing for diaconal formation. These areas will guide their collaborative work with WCC member churches, ACT Alliance, and ecumenical partners. In their communique, the reference group called on churches and communities to invest in long-term relationships and sustainable solutions, reaffirming their commitment to the Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity. Read the Communique here Read more about WCC work on Diakonia 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 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: Breaking the hunger cycle: WCC to host Webinar on food security and nutrition for World Food Day

On 16 October, during World Food Day, the World Council of Churches (WCC) will host an international webinar to address the worsening global food crisis. Featuring voices from the United Nations, civil society, academia, and faith communities, the event will examine the systemic causes of hunger and explore ways to empower women and children, the most vulnerable to food insecurity. Women unload emergency food aid in Akobo, South Sudan, on October 6, 2021. Like several locations around the troubled country, the combination of fighting and flooding has worsened food insecurity.  The 50 pound bags of sorghum, provided by the United Nations' World Food Program, were transported by river barge to the remote community, a lengthy and dangerous process. On October 2, as it was traveling in a convoy of boats carrying relief supplies, the boat was fired upon and two people were wounded. They were hospitalized after the boat arrived in Akobo, which is near the Ethiopian border. Photo: Paul Jeffrey 10 October 2024 "The time to act is now," said Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, WCC programme director for Public Witness and Diakonia. "This crisis disproportionately impacts women and children. They face heightened risks of malnutrition and hunger. We must work together to find sustainable solutions and protect the most vulnerable."  The webinar will explore the interconnected issues of food security, nutrition, gender, and health, focusing on challenges caused by climate change, conflict, and economic instability. Participants will hear from leading experts and learn how faith communities can be crucial in transforming food systems. The goal is to ensure access to sufficient, nutritious food for all. Dinesh Suna, coordinator of the WCC Ecumenical Water Network, emphasized the urgency: “Faith communities are uniquely positioned to advocate for those most affected by hunger, particularly women, who are often the primary food producers but also the most vulnerable." This event will also contribute to the 2025 Nutrition for Growth Summit in Paris, where faith communities will offer insights on creating more equitable and sustainable food systems. After the webinar, participants can access additional resources and join local advocacy groups to take action in their communities. “WCC is fully committed to addressing hunger, food security, and nutrition. To this end, we will continue to engage in prayer and concrete action upholding the principles of Food for Life,” added Mtata.  Registration for the webinar is open and all are encouraged to join this critical conversation. Register here 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 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 releases new discussion document, “Good News about HIV Treatment”

The World Council of Churches has newly published a discussion document, Good News about HIV Treatment, Cure, and Healing: Conversations between Faith Leaders and communities in Nigeria. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 11 October 2024 Though HIV treatment is very effective and tolerable nowadays, some faith leaders, out of misinformation, continue spreading messages of exclusive healing by faith, asking people living with HIV to abandon their medications as a proof of their faith in God. In Good News about HIV Treatment, Cure, and Healing, the initiators of the conversations and the discussants analyse the concepts of treatment, cure, and healing in HIV, using principles of Christian and Muslim theologies. They conclude that people living with HIV must be supported in adhering to their treatment, medications, and treatments are part of the healing touch of God who is the ultimate source of healing. “This publication is the result of several trainings that were held from August to November 2023 with leaders from different faith traditions and most affected communities, including those living with HIV,” reads the introduction. “The ideas presented here are meant to open your mind and start conversations about HIV treatment, cure, and healing in your community.” The introduction also notes that you don’t need to be a scholar to open this conversation.  “However, you need to be informed and willing to listen and to engage” the text reads.  The HIV and AIDS epidemic continues to affect the most vulnerable communities.  “There has been significant progress towards ending AIDS,” notes the introduction. “However, not everyone is benefiting from this progress.” In 2022, 71% of people living with HIV (76% of women and 67% of men living with HIV) globally had undetectable viral loads. “Viral load suppression in children living with HIV is only 46%, a reality that needs urgent attention,” reads the text. “Barriers remain, and often, they are related to gender inequality and HIV stigma and discrimination.” Nowadays, treatment for HIV is very effective: people with HIV can live long, productive lives.  “However, out of ignorance or prejudice, some faith leaders spread messages that promote prayer as an exclusive source of cure and, thus, ask people living with HIV to stop their medication as proof of their faith in God,” explains the introduction. “Usually, this has the sad consequence of people abandoning their HIV treatment, increasing the risk of opportunistic infections and possible death.” WCC-guided trainings explain that God gave us faith healing, treatment, medical science, and the knowledge to solve health problems, affirming that all these are signs of God’s healing touch. “In this document, we summarize discussions among Christian and Muslim leaders in HIV training activities held in Nigeria in 2023,” the introduction reads. “The main concepts explored include treatment, cure, and healing in the context of HIV.” Link to the publication 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 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

EarthBeat Weekly: Franciscan ties bring UN chief to Siena College with powerful climate message

Franciscan ties bring UN chief's dire climate message to Siena College   EarthBeat Weekly Your weekly newsletter about faith and climate change October 11, 2024   U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres says "our world is in trouble" due to climate change in a video message at Siena College's symposium on integral ecology Oct. 10. (Courtesy of Siena College)   The head of the United Nations made an appearance this week at the campus of Siena College, the Franciscan school in upstate New York. While not physically present (he was in Laos), António Guterres, the ninth U.N. secretary-general, appeared via video message Thursday evening at the Catholic college's two-day symposium on integral ecology, where climate change and justice were front and center, both in the panels and in Guterres' ominous message. "Today, floods and droughts are fueling instability, driving conflict and forcing people from their homes," he said. "And though climate chaos is everywhere, it doesn't affect everyone equally. The very people most at risk are those who did the least to cause the crisis: small island states, developing countries, the poor and the vulnerable. This is breathtaking injustice, and it is just the beginning." Guterres offered his assessment of the state of global environmental issues — "our world is in trouble" — and made pleas for nations to ramp up actions to substantially slash greenhouse gas emissions to achieve the Paris Agreement goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit). He also pressed developed nations like the U.S. to fulfill financing pledges to help other nations mitigate climate change and adapt to and recover from its impacts today. The themes were similar to past speeches by Guterres on the dire situation climate change presents the planet, but what made this talk unique is how he connected it to Catholic and Franciscan values, particularly the 13th-century Italian saint's pursuit of peace and closeness with the poor and vulnerable. Of the intensifying heatwaves, droughts, floods and extreme storms — "All this puts peace and justice in peril, as St Francis would have understood," he said. And the U.N. leader freely quoted Pope Francis, whether the pope's warnings about exploiting creation in Laudato Si', or humanity's role as custodians not masters of creation, to endorsing his call for everyone to hear the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. It was Franciscan ties that led Guterres to Siena in the first place. Br. Michael Perry, former head of the global Franciscan order, is now director of the college's Laudato Si' Center for Integral Ecology, and was part of the group who approached Guterres about partaking in the symposium. As it turns out, Guterres has a personal fondness for Franciscan values, as a Franciscan priest and friend presided at both his wedding ceremonies, his children's baptisms and family Masses at his home. "And as an António from Lisbon, I have a strong connection with Santo António, one of the first Franciscans," he told the Siena audience. Read more: Climate change puts peace, justice in peril, UN chief tells Franciscan college         What else is new on EarthBeat:   Catholic Charities USA launches Hurricane Milton relief fund by Gina Christian, OSV News As Hurricane Milton takes aim at Florida just days after Hurricane Helene, Catholic Charities USA has launched a dedicated disaster relief donation campaign. Read more here »   Urban forest fund directs $8M to faith groups to root trees in neglected areas by Brian Roewe American Forests, a national conservation organization, is directing millions of dollars from the nation's largest climate law toward faith communities to plant trees in parts of cities long overlooked and underserved. Read more here »   Charlotte bishop surveys Helene relief efforts in North Carolina by Christina Lee Knauss, Amelia Kudela, Liz Chandler, The Catholic News Herald, OSV News The tremendous response from people across the diocese and the region is inspiring but not surprising to the bishop. That's how most people are, because we are made in the image and likeness of a loving and generous God, he said. Read more here »   Amid Helene's destruction, heartache, survivors need prayer, support and love, says Tennessee bishop by Bill Brewer, OSV News, The East Tennessee Catholic , Nashville Catholic The Catholic parishes of upper East Tennessee are joining together to lead disaster-relief efforts as communities find themselves without water, basic necessities, and even roads to access assistance. Read more here »   In 'The Wild Robot,' AI and nature teach each other about solidarity and survival by John Dougherty The gorgeously animated new movie "The Wild Robot" may help to plant seeds for a better future, giving families an entertaining entryway to conversations about mutuality and solidarity with the environment. Read more here »   What's happening in other climate news: What is making Hurricane Milton so ferocious — Kasha Patel, Harry Stevens and Niko Kommenda for the Washington Post Helene spotlights Harris and Trump differences on disaster relief —David Sherfinski for Thomson Reuters Foundation Supreme Court confronts NEPA, water permits, agency power —Pamela King, Niina H. Farah, Lesley Clark for E&E News Tribes celebrate the end of the largest dam removal project in US history —Hallie Golden For the Associated Press Wildlife populations decline by 73% in 50 years: Study —Emma Ogao for ABC News Ukraine's vast forests devastated in hellscape of war —Max Hunder for Reuters Final Beat: There was more happening at the Siena College ecology symposium beyond the U.N. secretary-general's address, though that was certainly a newsworthy moment. A panel discussion reacting to Guterres' remarks included New York state health commissioner James McDonald; the Rev. Kathryn Beilke, the faith liaison for the advocacy organization Beyond Plastics; and Medha Palnati, a medical student and Siena alumna. Together, the three brought climate change from the political to the personal, highlighting the ways stronger storms and more extreme heat are harming people today. McDonald described the state's efforts to secure supplies of intravenous fluids ahead of Hurricane Milton after flooding from Hurricane Helene shut down a factory in western North Carolina that produces up to 60% of the nation's IV fluids supply. Beilke talked about how plastics — beyond polluting oceans, land and even our bodies — are becoming "the new coal," as the industry's emissions are soaring and fossil fuel companies have ramped up plastic production plans. On the topic of plastic pollution, Palnati described her grandmother in India, an incredible cook who could prepare a large meal while producing minimal waste, and no plastic. Yet outside her home were mounds and mounds of discarded plastics piling up on the streets — a result of plastic waste imported by India from countries like the U.S. As she offered actions that students can take — from reducing their personal plastic use to advocating for the Franciscan school to reconsider its contracts with major plastic-producing companies — Palnati encouraged them to think of people like her grandmother and others who are bearing the brunt of climate change and pollution. "When we act," she said, "we should act for them." Thanks for reading EarthBeat.      Brian Roewe Environment Correspondent National Catholic Reporter broewe@ncronline.org Instagram: @broewe_ncr     Featured Advertisers   Through courses, community programs, and formation offerings, the CSTM seeks to apply theological knowledge in service of a more just world.    Advertisement