WCC NEWS: International Women’s Day prayer service gives thanks for impact of women in the world

During an online ecumenical prayer service on 8 March hosted by the World Council of Churches, people from across the world gave thanks for women in leadership and their impact on decision-making. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC, March 2018  08 March 2021 Celebrating International Women’s Day, the service was prepared by women from the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva. A special theme song, “Faith of our Mothers,” opened the service, and those gathered sang: “Faith of our mothers, living still, In cradle song and bedtime prayer; In nursery lore and fireside love, Thy presence still pervades the air…” Amanda Khozi Mukwashi, chief executive at Christian Aid, offered a reflection that touched upon how this International Women’s Day comes during a season of significant trials and challenges. “It gives us a moment to remember that our resilience, strength and hope are amplified when we stand together to tackle the injustices that we face,” she said. “And so to all women, regardless of the colour of  skin, age, faith or none, or circumstance, I say, know that you are standing together with millions of others in solidarity, in doing so we stand together to value each other’s achievements in confronting inequality and exploitation.” Mukwashi added: “It is this solidarity that I celebrate today and with it I wish all women goodwill.” Morning Prayer for International Women’s Day, 8 March 2021 Thursdays in Black Ambassadors - Prayers for International Women's Day 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 350 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania. 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