WCC NEWS: WCC and partners prepare for Weekend of Prayer and Action in response to global hunger crisis

Responding to global crises such as conflicts, pandemic aftereffects, and the pressing challenges of climate change, the World Council of Churches (WCC), with ecumenical organizations and partners, is set to organize a "Weekend of Prayer & Action Against Hunger" on 14-16 October. With 258 million people in 58 countries facing severe hunger in 2022, the need to act is critical. 12 October 2023 Coinciding with World Food Day on 16 October, Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, WCC progamme director for Public Witness and Diakonia, will co- facilitate a global prayer call on 16 October. This event aims to unify global voices in prayer, reflection, and worship. In collaboration with 15 Christian organizations, the initiative will emphasize seeking divine guidance and fostering dedicated action against hunger. “Hunger is a justice question because while some have too much, others have nothing to eat. At the basic level, the Christian exhortation to share can heal this injustice. At a higher level, we must undo the systems that relegate huge sections of humanity to hunger,” said Mtata. Drawing inspiration from Isaiah 58's call “to loose the chains of injustice, untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free...and share our food with the hungry,” the WCC advocates for sharing resources and providing shelter as means to address this crisis. The WCC encourages individuals, communities, and organizations globally to engage deeply, pray earnestly, and pledge proactive efforts to tackle the hunger challenge. All are invited to participate in this pivotal event, embracing the collective goal of advancing towards a world free from hunger. Week of Prayer & Action Against Hunger 14-16 October 2023 Register for global prayer call 16 October 11 am CET or 6 pm CET 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